John Wellesley Thomas

“ We then advanced quietly to the entrenchments, where the revolutionary flag was flying; at about one hundred and fifty yards, as we advanced, we were received by rather sharp and well-directed fire from the insurgents, without word or challenge on their part; then, and not till then, I ordered the bugle to sound the 'commence firing;' for about ten minutes a heavy fire was kept up by the troops advancing, which was replied to by our opponents. During this time I brought up the infantry supports and foot police. ”

“ The Major-General has already been made aware of the fact, that a large number of ill-disposed persons have, for some days, been openly organizing, drilling, and equipping themselves, with the undisguised object of attacking her Majesty's troops, and, if possible, subverting the Government. During the night of the 1st instant frequent signals were observed passing from tent to tent around the camp, and several shots were fired over the heads of the sentries. ”

“ During the whole of that day strong parties of insurgents were parading the diggings in every direction, many of them, in sight of the camp, robbing stores, collecting arms, and forcing people to join their ranks. I did not consider it prudent to attack them, as they were not collected in any one spot, and the safety of the camp would have been risked had a larger portion of the force been withdrawn. I determined, however, to attack their camp at daylight the next morning; for this purpose the troops were ordered to assemble at half-past 2 a.m. ”