I took with me only my aide, Captain Christie, and an orderly.

We rode a little beyond the top of the mountain, and sending the orderly back with the horses, proceeded on foot down the northern slope.

We soon came to the slashing which I had made in August to prevent the enemy's easy approach to the river near the post.

The mist of the morning had changed to a drizzling rain.

We had on our heavy horsemen's overcoats with large capes, cavalry boots and spurs, swords and pistols.