Slemmer went forward to inform the general that we were in movement, and I remained with Major Hines till all was quiet, when he was directed to call in his pickets and sentinels and follow.

I had gone hardly a mile when we were brought to a halt by the head of the brigade overtaking those who had preceded us.

Word was brought back that the artillery was finding great difficulty in getting over the first considerable hill west of the mountain.

We ourselves were upon the downward road from the mountain crest, but our way led along the side of a spur of the mountain which towered above us on our left.

We were in a dense wood that shut out the stars, and in darkness that could almost be felt.
I rode back a little to meet Hines and to keep some distance between the column and his little rear-guard.