detachment of four
companies of the 3d Ohio, as grand-guard at an outpost and for
picket duty as well as scouting, to the point of a spur of Rich
Mountain near the mouth and to the north of Elk Water, west of the
Huntersville pike, and about one mile and a half in advance of the
camp. This position covered the Elk Water road from Brady's Gate,
the pike, the there narrow valley of the Tygart's, and afforded a
good point of observation up the valley towards the enemy. A
portion of the time I had under me a section of artillery and other
detachments. Here Reynolds determined to first stubbornly resist
the approach of the enemy, and consequently I was ordered to
construct temporary works. Another detachment was located east of
the river with like instructions. On the 12th the enemy pushed
back our skirmishers and pickets in the valley and displayed
considerable disposition to fight, but as we exchanged some shots
and showed our willingness to give battle, no real attack was made.
We noticed that each Confederate officer and soldier had a white
_patch_ on his cap or hat. This, as we knew later, was in accordance
with Loring's order, to avoid danger of being fired upon by friends.
From the badge, however, we argued that raiding parties were abroad.

In the night of the 12th Loring, during a rain and under cover of
darkness, sent a small body to the rear of my position, and thus
having gained a position on the spur of the mountain behind and
above us, attempted by surprise to drive us out or capture us; but
the attack was feebly made and a spirited return fire and a charge
scattered the whole force.

Colonel Washington, on the 13th, in endeavoring to get on our right
came into Elk Water Valley _via_ Brady's Gate, and descended it
with Major Lee's cavalry as escort. A report came to me of cavalry
approaching, but knowing the road ran through a narrow gorge and
much of the way in the bed of the stream, little danger was
apprehended, especially as the road led directly to my position.
A few troops of an Indiana regiment then on picket duty were,
however, sent up the Elk Water road a short distance, and a company
of the 3d Ohio was dispatched by me along the mountain range skirting
the ravine and road, with instruction to gain the rear of the
approaching cavalry if possible.

Washington was too eager to give time for such disposition to be
carried out; he soon galloped around a curve and came close upon
the pickets, M