It seemed the first battle would occur at the southernmost bridge of Cullen's River about midday.  Wadee, commander of the rebel Cherokee Mounted Rifles, had spotted the advance of General Smith's Coloured Division, along with the British Cuirassiers.  The Cherokee officer wasted no time reporting back to his superiors, and avoided any conflict whatsoever.

"They got the niggers comin' at us?" barked Charles, upon hearing Wadee's report.  He spat on the ground in disgust.  "Round'em up and send'em back in chains," he taunted.  The man may have been a fine infantry commander, but he was also an absolute racist and a supporter of slavery.  A man had many reasons for fighting, but Charles was practically fighting for his family's right to keep slaves.

"Easy, Charles," Wadee tried to calm his ally down, "we should exercise caution in this.  Rumby, sir, what are our orders?"

Rumby rubbed his beard in thought.  After a moment he'd begin to issue his commands.

"Charles, draw the infantry into line formation between the river and the forest, ahead of the bridge - but do not engage the negroes.  Have the Marines behind in reserve.  Pull up the howitzers in the rear.  Set the Appalachian sharpshooters on the western flank.  All cavalry and horse artillery fall under my command from this point on.  Our howitzers ought to have the range, so bombard whoever's closest - but if you see artillery then target it first."

The Confederate army began its advance and deployed as ordered.  They would form up in their defensive posture, with the howitzers pulled up in the rear ready to fire on whoever was in range.

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