"Major-General Commanding the Armies of Ireland."

During the afternoon and evening there was considerable excitement and
uneasiness in the Fenian camp, caused by rumors of the near approach
of the Canadian troops, and officers and men steadily prepared for any
emergency. Gen. O'Neil had been expecting heavy reinforcements all day,
but they failed to appear, although it was estimated that there were
over 10,000 Fenians then assembled in Buffalo and vicinity, with a
plentiful supply of arms and ammunition. A few came over in rowboats as
evening approached, but the large forces that were expected remained on
the other side, cautiously awaiting developments.

It was the evident intention of the Fenian army to penetrate the
country and capture and destroy the Welland Canal, and subsequent events
confirmed that as part of their plan of campaign.

As the shades of night fell, strong guards were posted around the Fenian
camp, and the roads leading thereto were effectively picketed. From
reports brought in by his scouts and spies, Gen. O'Neil learned that two
Canadian columns were being mobilized--one at Chippawa and the other
at Port Colborne--and he resolved to make a quick dash on one of these
before a junction could be effected between the two, counting upon
a surprise and the prestige of his men as veteran soldiers to win a
victory. A council of war was therefore held by O'Neil and his officers,
and it was resolved to make an advance immediately.

About 10 o'clock that night the men were aroused and commanded to "fall
in" for the movement forward. A large quantity of arms and ammunition
which had been brought over for the use of the expected reinforcements
was now found to be an impediment, and O'Neil decided to destroy them
to prevent their falling into the hands of the Canadians. Consequently
hundreds of rifles and other munitions of war were burned or thrown into
Frenchman's Creek before leaving their camp.

The Fenian column then started down the River Road towards Black Creek.
On arrival at a point near that stream they bivouacked by the roadside
and awaited reports of scouts. It was here that Gen. O'Neil learned that
a force of Canadian volunteers would leave Port Colborne for Ridgeway
early on the morning of June 2nd, and he decided to go forward and
attack them. It was just about daybreak that he put his brigade in
motion and moved west by an old bush road until he struck the Ridge
Road, which bears south-w