ion on the immediate left of
the enemy where artillery could be used. I was detailed with two
companies of the 3d Ohio to accompany him. We climbed a mountain
spur and soon reached a position within rifle-musket range of the
enemy which completely commanded his guns and fortifications. So
near was my command that I desired permission to open fire without
awaiting the arrival of artillery, but this not being given by Poe,
of the headquarters staff, and being fresh from a rebuke from that
quarter, I gave a peremptory order _not_ to fire unless attacked.
On discovering us in his rear, the enemy turned his guns and fired
a few artillery shots at us, doing no harm, but affording a plausible
excuse for a discharge of musketry that seemed to silence the
enemy's guns, as their firing at once ceased.

Poe was a young officer of fine personal appearance, superb physique,
a West Point graduate, and a grandson of one of the celebrated
Indian fighters, especially noted for killing the Wyandot Chief,
Big Foot, on the Ohio River in 1782.

Poe was on staff duty throughout the war; became a Brevet-Brigadier,
corps of engineers, and died as a Colonel in the United States army
at Detroit, Michigan, October 2, 1895.

My acquaintance with him commenced on the spur of Rich Mountain
under the circumstances mentioned.

McClellan, in his report, says:

"I sent Lieutenant Poe to find such a position for our artillery
as would enable us to command the works. Late in the afternoon I
received his report that he had found such a place. I immediately
detailed a party to cut a road to it for our guns, but it was too
late to get them into position before dark, and as I had received
no intelligence whatever of General Rosecrans' movements, I finally
determined to return to camp, leaving merely sufficient force to
cover the working party. Orders were then given to move up the
guns with the entire available infantry at daybreak the following
morning. _As the troops were much fatigued_, some delay occurred
in moving from camp, and just as the guns were starting intelligence
was received that the enemy had evacuated their works and fled over
the mountains, leaving all their guns, means of transportation,
ammunition, tents, and baggage behind.

"Then for the first time since 11 o'clock the previous day, I
received a communication from General Rosecrans, giving me the
first intimation that he had taken the enemy's position at Hart's
farm."(11)