From the Richards house to the Canadian position was a distance of only about a quarter of a mile.
Immediately after crossing the boundary, the Burlington (Vermont) Company of Fenians (about fifty men), under command of Capt.

Cronan, dashed down the hill to form a skirmish line across the brook.

Just as they did so the Canadians opened fire.

At the first volley Private John Rowe was instantly killed, and Lieut.

John Hallinan received a flesh wound in the arm.