ny attempt to turn the left
of the line, and be prepared to strike when opportunity offers.

"8. The wagons of each brigade, properly parked and guarded, under
the charge of their respective quartermasters--who will personally
superintend their movements--will pursue the main turnpike, under
the general direction of their chief quartermaster, in rear of the
army, and out of cannon-range of the enemy.

"9. Commanders on both lines of operations will particularly see
that their corps wear the distinguishing badge, and that both
officers and men take every precaution not to fire on our own
troops. This is essentially necessary, as the forces on both sides
of Cheat Mountain may unite. They will also use every exertion to
prevent noise and straggling from the ranks, correct quietly any
confusion that may occur, and cause their commands to rapidly
execute their movement when in the presence of the enemy.

"By order of General W. W. Loring,

"Carter L. Stevenson,
"Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General."

General Lee, to stimulate his army to great effort, himself, by
another special order of same date, exhorted it as follows:

"The forward movement announced to the Army of the Northwest in
special order No. 28, from its headquarters, of this date, gives
the general commanding the opportunity of exhorting the troops to
keep steadily in view the great principles for which they contend,
and to manifest to the world their determination to maintain them.
The eyes of the country are upon you. The safety of your homes
and the lives of all you hold dear depend upon your courage and
exertions. Let each man resolve to be victorious, and that the
right of self-government, liberty, and peace shall in him find a
defender. The progress of this army must be forward."( 9)

The column from Greenbrier under Colonel Albert Rust, of Arkansas,
was given the initiative, and on its success the plan detailed
pivoted, but the several columns were expected to act at the same
time and in concert. Colonel Rust's command, about 2000 strong,
by a blind road to the Union right reached its designated position
between the Red Bridge and Kimball's fortified position. Here it
captured an assistant commissary, and from him received such an
exaggerated account of the strength of Kimball's camp and the number
of its men that, without awaiting the columns of Donnelson and
Anderson, it retired with the one prisoner. Lee's main army moved
n