he
morning, two gun-boats and several bateaux, loaded with
provisions and ammunition.

A rapid at the river at Arnold's mills affords the only fording
to be met with for a very considerable distance; but, upon
examination, it was found too deep for the infantry. Having,
however, fortunately taken two or three boats and some canoes, on
the spot, and obliging the horsemen to take a footman behind
each, the whole were safely crossed by 12 o'clock. Eight miles
from the crossing we passed a farm where a part of the British
troops had encamped the night before, under the command of
Colonel Warburton. The detachment with General Proctor had
arrived the day before at the Moravian towns, four miles higher
up. Being now certainly near the enemy, I directed the advance of
Johnson's regiment to accelerate their march, for the purpose of
procuring intelligence. The officer commanding it, in a short
time, sent to inform me that his progress was stopped by (p. 258)
the enemy, who were formed across our line of march. One of
the enemy's wagoners being also taken prisoner, from the
information received from him, and my own observation, assisted
by some of my officers, I soon ascertained enough of their
position, and order of battle, to determine that which it was
proper for me to adopt.

I have the honour herewith to enclose you my general order of the
27th ultimo, prescribing the order of march and of battle when
the whole army should act together. But as the number and
description of the troops had been essentially changed since the
issuing of the order, it became necessary to make a corresponding
alteration in their disposition. From the place where our army
was last halted, to the Moravian towns, a distance of about three
and a half miles, the road passes through a beech forest without
any clearing, and for the first two miles near to the bank of the
river. At from two to three hundred yards from the river a swamp
extends parallel to it throughout the whole distance. The
intermediate ground is dry, and although the trees are tolerably
thick, it is in many places clear of underbrush. Across this
strip of land, its left _appuyed_ upon the river, supported by
artillery placed in the wood, their right in the swamp covered by
the whole of thei