The republican army consisted of fourscore thousand foot, and twenty thousand horse.

The army of the Trium'viri amounted to a hundred thousand foot and thirteen thousand horse.4.Thus complete on both sides, they met and encamped near each other upon the plains of Philip'pi.

Near the town were two little hills, about a mile distant from each other; upon these hills, Brutus and Cassius fixed their camps, and kept up a free communication, which mutually defended each other.5.In this commodious situation they could act as they thought proper, and give battle just when it was thought to their advantage to engage.

Behind was the sea, which furnished them with all kinds of provisions; and, at twelve miles distance, the island of Thasos, which served them for a general magazine.6.The Trium'viri, on the other hand, were encamped on the plain below, and were obliged to bring provisions from fifteen leagues' distance; so that their scheme and interest were to forward a battle as soon as possible.

This they offered several times, drawing out their men from the camp, and provoking the enemy to engage.7.On the contrary, the enemy contented themselves with drawing up their troops at the head of their camps, without descending to the plain.