Cannon fire breaks the quiet on Patapsco Neck
The British column reaches the open expanse of fields at the Bouldin farm. They immediately started forming into line. The 85th spread out in skirmish order after pushing back the advance American party. The 44th regiment formed line behind the 85th, as did the Provisional Battalion of Royal Marines and the Seamen.
The 21st and 2nd Battalion Royal Marines continued to advance to the front in column while the 4th regiment started off on a flanking maneuver on the American left. To counter this British flanking maneuver, Stricker, albeit clumsily, had the 39th and 51st moved up into line on the left and also moved 2 guns with them as well.
Map below: As British lines move to outflank his left, Stricker redeploys the 39th and 51st regiments to meet this threat.
