"Give the order." I will only state the plan of Garfield's attack in a general way.

There were three roads that led to Marshall's position--one to the east, one to the west, and one between the two.

These three roads were held by strong Confederate pickets.
Now, it was Garfield's policy to keep Marshall deceived as to his strength.

For this reason, he sent a small body to drive in the enemy's pickets, as if to attack Paintville.

Two hours after, a similar force, with the same orders, were sent on the road to the westward, and two hours later still, a small force was sent on the middle road.