Some light pieces of artillery will be placed in the road leading up the lake, and at such other points as Major Wood may direct. When the order is given for marching, the first and second lines will advance by files from the heads of companies; in other words, these two lines will form two columns, marching by their flanks by companies at entire distances. The three brigades on the right flank will be faced to the left and marched forward; the head of this column still forming en potence with the front line. It is probable that the two brigades of the front line will extend from the lake some distance into the woods, on the right flank, and it is desirable it should be so; but should it be otherwise, and the crotchet or angle be at any time on the open ground, his excellency Governor Shelby will immediately prolong the front line to the right, by adding to it as many companies of the leading brigade of the flank column as will bring the angle, and consequently the flank column itself, completely within the woods. It is to be presumed that the enemy will make their attack upon the army in its march, that their regular troops will form their right upon the lake, their militia occupy the ground between the regulars and the woods, and the Indians the woods. The formation herein prescribed is intended to resist an arrangement of this kind. Should the general's conjecture on that subject prove correct, as it must be evident that the right of the enemy cannot be turned, and on that wing his best troops must be placed, it will be proper to refuse him our left, and direct our principal effort to uncover the flank of his regulars by driving off his militia. In the event supposed, therefore, it will be proper to bring up a part or the whole of General Cass's brigade, to assist the charge made by General Calmes, or that the former should change positions with the brigade of volunteers in the second line. Should the general think it safe to order the whole of Cass's brigade to the right, without replacing it with another, General Cass will march to the right, formed in oblique eschelons of companies. It will be the business of General M'Arthur, in the event of his wing being refused to watch the motions of the enemy, with the assistance of the artillery, to prevent his front line at least from interrupting the progress of our right. Should the enemy's militia be defeated, the brigade of ours in advance will immediately wheel upon the flank of the British regulars, and General M'Arthur will advance to attack them in front. In the mean time, his excellency Governor Shelby can use the brigade in reserve of the second line to prolong the flank line from its front or left, or to reinforce any weak part of the line. In all cases where troops in advance are obliged to retire through those who are advancing to support them, it will be done by companies in files, which will retire through the intervals of the advancing line, and will immediately form in rear. The light troops will be particularly governed by this direction.
The disposition of the troops on the right flank is such as the commanding general thinks best calculated to resist an attack from Indians, which is only to be expected from that quarter. His excellency Governor Shelby will, however, use his discretion in making any alteration which his experience and judgment may dictate. Lieutenant-Colonel Ball, Lieutenant-Colonel Simral, and the general officers commanding on the flank line, are to send out small detachments in advance of the two former corps, and to the flank of the latter. Should they discover the enemy in force, immediately notice will be sent to the head of the lines. The general commanding on the spot will immediately order the signals for forming in order of battle, which will be the beat "to arms."
All signals will be immediately repeated by all the drums of the line; the signal for the whole to halt, is the retreat. Drums will be distributed along the heads of companies, and the taps occasionally given to regulate their march.
Lieutenant-Colonels Ball and Simral are to keep the general constantly advised of the discoveries made by the advanced parties. Where it shall become necessary for the corps of Ball and Simral to retire, they will form on the flank or in the rear of Generals M'Arthur and Calmes's brigades, and receive the orders of the brigadiers respectively.
Brigadier-General Cass will designate such officers as he may deem proper, to assist Captain Elliott, of the navy, in the arrangement of the troops. The general will be the signal for the whole to move. By command,
Edmund P. Gaines, Col. Adj. Gen.
October 5, 1813.
Governor Isaac Shelby. ℞. Battle of the Thames. Octo. 5. 1813.