181 



operations ; he advanced by the road leading 

 through Odell Town to Burtonville, in the seig- 

 niory of De Lery, as far as the road that turns 

 off to La Colle mills, where, leaving a body of 

 troops to mask his design, he hastily made a 

 flank movement towards the mills. The ap- 

 proach of the enemy w^as somewhat impeded 

 by the advanced piquets, as they retired in 

 good order and fighting against his superior 

 numbers. The attack on the main road, being 

 intended as a feint, was not long persevered in, 

 and the principal one was directed against the 

 post at the mills, which Major Handcock, of 

 tlie 13th regiment, defended with no less skill 

 than bravery. His piquets, stationed about a 

 mile and a half in front, were driven in, and 

 the enemy shortly afterwards appearing in force, 

 was able to establish a battery of 12 pounders, 

 that was soon opened against the British posi- 

 tion. Major Handcock, being advertised of the 

 near approach of two flank companies of the 

 13th to reinforce him, made a gallant dash 

 against the guns, but was unable to carry them, 

 as the surrounding woods were filled with in- 

 fantry for their support ; and after a smart con- 

 flict succeeded in withdrawing his party. An- 

 other favourable opportunity occurring soon 

 afterwards, it was seized with eagerness by a 

 company of grenadiers of the Canadian Fend? 



