nto the woods, on (p. 263)
the right flank, and it is desirable it should be so; but
should it be otherwise, and the crotchet or angle be at any time
on the open ground, his excellency Governor Shelby will
immediately prolong the front line to the right, by adding to it
as many companies of the leading brigade of the flank column as
will bring the angle, and consequently the flank column itself,
completely within the woods. It is to be presumed that the enemy
will make their attack upon the army in its march, that their
regular troops will form their right upon the lake, their militia
occupy the ground between the regulars and the woods, and the
Indians the woods. The formation herein prescribed is intended to
resist an arrangement of this kind. Should the general's
conjecture on that subject prove correct, as it must be evident
that the right of the enemy cannot be turned, and on that wing
his best troops must be placed, it will be proper to refuse him
our left, and direct our principal effort to uncover the flank of
his regulars by driving off his militia. In the event supposed,
therefore, it will be proper to bring up a part or the whole of
General Cass's brigade, to assist the charge made by General
Calmes, or that the former should change positions with the
brigade of volunteers in the second line. Should the general
think it safe to order the whole of Cass's brigade to the right,
without replacing it with another, General Cass will march to the
right, formed in oblique eschelons of companies. It will be the
business of General M'Arthur, in the event of his wing being
refused to watch the motions of the enemy, with the assistance of
the artillery, to prevent his front line at least from
interrupting the progress of our right. Should the enemy's
militia be defeated, the brigade of ours in advance will
immediately wheel upon the flank of the British regulars, and
General M'Arthur will advance to attack them in front. In the
mean time, his excellency Governor Shelby can use the brigade in
reserve of the second line to prolong the flank line from its
front or left, or to reinforce any weak part of the line. In all
cases where troops in advance are obliged to retire through those
who are advancing to support them, it will be done by companie