84 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



structing breastworks and abatis extending from the river bank 

 along the crest across the road and some distance into the woods 

 beyond. When this was nearly completed, a second and a third 

 line of similar works were begun, at successive distances of two or 

 three hundred yards, each being on the edge of a somewhat shallower 

 and narrower ravine or coulée. Half a mile in rear of the third, 

 another line was traced to command a practicable crossing of the 

 stream, now known as Morrison's Ford. Among the militia were 

 many expert and willing axemen, and, as there was no lack of tools, 

 rapid progress was made. When these works were well, advanced, 

 thirty axemen from the Beauharnois battalion, accompanied by a 

 covering party of equal strength from the Fencibles and Voltigeurs, 

 were sent forward four or five miles to destroy all bridges and obstruct 

 the road in the most favourable place by forming another line of abatis 

 from the river to the swamp, about a mile in front of the first line. 

 They met no opposition and saw nothing of the enemy who had 

 apparently withdrawn their patrol. By the end of the second day 

 all these lines were placed in a fair state of defence and a strong 

 working party was sent across the river to construct a lunette of timber 

 for the protection of the ford and a short line of abatis flanking the 

 only practicable path leading to it. 



By that time, Lieut. Colonel Macdonell had arrived bringing 

 with him the battalion of light companies of the Embodied Militia 

 ordered from Kingston and some companies of the Canadian Chasseurs 

 and local militia. It was reported that a few pieces of light artillery 

 were on the road to arm the fourth line. 



During the afternoon of the 25th the British position was approach- 

 ed and reconnoitered as carefully and closely as possible without 

 attracting attention by Major Snelling escorted by a small party of 

 light infantry. He reported that the first line was short and nearly 

 straight, being well covered by abatis while the woods on its right 

 were occupied by Indians. He t had been informed in some way, 

 possibly by a deserter, that the force holding it did not exceed 350, 

 mainly composed of militia under a militia colonel. A succession of 

 wooden breastworks was being constructed in rear and a blockhouse 

 was nearly completed. It was reported that the Governor General 

 with his whole available force was advancing to oppose their further 

 progress. After receiving this information, Hampton decided to 

 make a resolute attempt to dislodge the force immediately in front, 

 in the belief that if he succeeded, the position thus secured could be 

 easily maintained until Wilkinson could co-operate. No news of the 

 approach of Wilkinson's command had yet been forwarded from 

 Ogdensburg and this fact caused some uneasiness. 



