487.] The position was a very strong one for resisting an approach from our direction, but was commanded by higher ground beyond.

The true crest of the mountain was two miles further on, and there alone could we successfully bar the way against a superior force coming from the east.

I therefore marched rapidly forward and occupied the crest in force.

It was impossible to hide the whole of our camp from view and properly hold the position, but we made use of such cover as we could find, and prepared to defend the pass against all comers, since it was vain to attempt to mystify the enemy as to our advance in force.
On the 24th we had a lively skirmish with Wise's legion in front, and forced it to retire to a ridge out of range of our artillery.

We dismounted one of his howitzers in the engagement, but contented ourselves with making him yield the ground which would interfere with our easy holding of our own position and the spurs of the mountain directly connected with it.