a picket, of
one officer and ten men on his right rear, and the remainder of the
volunteers (two officers and 36 men) were posted among the rocks and
trees, and behind the fences stretching from the road to the crest of
the hill, while the right flank was protected by the 35 farmers, most of
whom were sharp-shooters. Thus Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin's combined force
to resist an attack was two officers and 71 men.

On a hill about 300 yards distant, across the American border, the
sentries of the advanced guard of the enemy were visible, while a short
distance beyond their main body were preparing for an advance on to
Canadian soil.

Shortly before 12 o'clock (noon). General Foster, the United States
Marshal for the Northern District of Vermont, drove over to the Canadian
lines and had an interview with Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin. He said that he
desired to offer assurances that his Government and himself personally
were doing all that was possible to prevent a raid, and that the United
States troops were being moved up to assist him in the discharge of his
duty and enforcement of the neutrality laws as fast as they could be
transported. He also stated that he was charged with a message from
Gen. O'Neil, to say that those under his command would not make war upon
women or children, nor be permitted to plunder peaceable inhabitants,
but would conduct their war in the manner approved among civilized
nations.

Col. Chamberlin replied that he would receive no message from men who
were mere pirates and marauders, and it was scarcely satisfactory to
those whom they intended to murder, because they were in arms for the
defence of their Government and country, that their piracy would not be
attended with unusual barbarities.

While they were still in conversation, the head of the Fenian column
began to advance. Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin called Gen. Foster's attention
to the fact, who replied, "I thought they intended to attack you soon,
but not so soon as this." He then drove away in the direction of and
past the advancing Fenian column.

Lieut.-Col. Chamberlin then hastily made such disposition of his small
force as seemed most advantageous, with Capt. Bockus on the left of the
skirmish line, which rested on the main road.

The enemy advanced in close column, about 200 strong, with an advance
guard about 100 yards ahead of the main body. On its approach to the
boundary line it was ordered to move at the double, and the advance
gu