There is disagreement, in a meeting of Scots and Regulator leaders at Cross Creek on February 5, on how to proceed.

The Scots want to wait until the British troops have actually arrived before mustering, while the Regulators want to move immediately

The views of the latter prevail since they claim to be able to raise five thousand men, while the Scots expect to raise only seven hundred to eight hundred.

When the forces muster on February 15, there are about thirty-five hundred men, but the number rapidly dwindles over the next few days.

Many men had expected to be met and escorted by British troops and do not relish the possibility of having to fight their way to the coast.

When they march three days later, Brigadier General Donald MacDonald will lead between fourteen hundred and sixteen hundred men, predominantly Scots.

This number will be further reduced over the coming days as more men desert the column.