The force consisted of 6367 officers and soldiers of the regular army, and 9054 colonial troops.
Abercromby himself was an infirm and incapable man, who owed his position to political influence.

The real command was in the hands of Brigadier General Lord Howe--a most energetic and able officer, who had, during the past year, thoroughly studied forest warfare, and had made several expeditions with the scouting parties of Rogers and other frontier leaders.

He was a strict disciplinarian, but threw aside all the trammels of the traditions of the service.

He made both officers and men dress in accordance with the work they had before them.

All had to cut their hair close, to wear leggings to protect them from the briars, and to carry in their knapsacks thirty pounds of meal, which each man had to cook for himself.