His idea was, as the enemy moved upon the road whir>h is delineated in the plan as intersecting the country, to advance from his flanks ; this movement would be perfectly concealed by the fall of the ground upon his right, and by the woods upon the left ; and he meant to gain the heights in the rear of the enemy, attacking whomsoever should be within by his cavalry and such infantry as might be necessary. In pursuance of these intentions, Lt. Col. Emmerick with his corps, was detached from the Queen's Rangers and Legion, as Lt. Col. Simcoe thought, fully instructed in the plan ; however, he most unfortunately mistook the nearer house for one at a greater distance, the names being the same, and there he posted Jiimself, and soon after sent from thence a patrol forward upon the road, before Lt. Col. Simcoe, could have time to stop it. This patrol had no eflect, not meeting with any enemy ; had a single man of it deserted, or been taken, the whole attempt had, probably, been abortive. Lt. Col. Simcoe, who was halfway up a tree, on the top of which was a drummer boy, saw a flanking party of the enemy approach. The troops had scarcely

456 .; HISTORY OF THE

fallen into their ranks, when a smart firing was heard from the Indians, wko had lined the fences of the road, and were exchanging shot with Lt. Cok Emmerick, whom they had discovered. The Queen's Rangers moved rapidly to gain the heights, and Lieut. Col. Tarleton immediately advanced with the Hussars and the Legion cavalry ; not being able to pass the fences in liis front, he made a circuit to return further upon their right ; which being reported to Lieut. Col Simcoe, he broke from the column of the Rangers, with the grenadier company, and, directing Major Ross to conduct the corps to the heights, advanced to the road, and arrived, without being perceived, within ten yards of the Indians.