More than 4,000 British troops camped here on August 20, 1814, awaiting orders after sailing from Bermuda in cramped quarters and relishing firm ground beneath them. They placed cannon on the hills and posted pickets against a possible American attack, but none came. According to British Lieutenant George Robert Gleig, the army was posted on a height two miles from the river, with infantry bivouacked on the slope of the hill to keep their position from being seen by the enemy. When orders to march arrived, a few officers rode horses while the troops set out on foot with heavy packs; some hauled field guns and others carried rockets on their backs. After weeks aboard ships, many were in no condition to march and suffered heat exhaustion within the first six miles.