nt out to the different commanders. Hord was
to attack with all his force, assisted by Osterman's division, in
the morning at the earliest moment possible, and scale Looking-Glass
Mountain. Gen. Papson was to make a demonstration against the rebel
center.

"The mountain is very steep and covered with trees and underbrush. Crags
jut out at every turn all over its sides, and at the summit a high
crest rises almost perpendicular 50 or 60 feet. Around the point of the
mountain nearest the river the enemy had heavy earthworks, held by one
brigade. The ridge or crest of the mountain was held by some 7,000 men,
with many pieces of artillery. Hord's command was all on the west side
of the mountain, entirely obscured from the sight of any of our troops
who were in the town of Chatteraugus, so that nothing could be seen
except the rebels who occupied the crest of the mountain. The movements
of the enemy proved clearly that some advance was being made.

"Gens. Silent and Papson stood on an earthwork on the north side of the
town near the river, where they could plainly see all the rebel lines.
Very soon the smoke and sounds of battle were seen and heard. Osterman
had attacked the rebels in their works at the foot of the mountain
nearest the river and driven them pell-mell out of their intrenchments,
killing, wounding and capturing a great number. At the same time Gen.
Gear was pushing up the mountain, his right passing directly under the
muzzles of the enemy's guns which were on the summit, climbing over
logs, boulders and crags, up hill and down, dislodging and driving the
enemy wherever he opposed. Up and on went our brave boys to the mouths
of cannon and into the very jaws of death. Gen. Silent, addressing
Papson, said:

"'General, our men must be climbing up the mountain's side. The enemy
would not fire so rapidly nor such volleys unless our men were near
them.'

"'No, I should think they would not,' said Papson.

"The fire flashed from their guns and muskets in the sunlight as though
the heavens were in a blaze. Soon batteries could be seen pulling out
and moving on the table of the mountain in the direction of the south.

"'Do you see that, Papson?' said Silent. 'They are getting ready to
retreat. See, they are sending their batteries out of danger!'

"Papson looked, but said not a word. Soon a portion of their infantry
moved in the same direction. The noise of artillery firing could be
heard no longer, but the rattl