The depot-building was of brick, and had been punctured with loop-holes.

To its east, about two hundred yards, was a small square earthwork or fort, into which were put a part of the regulars along with the company of the Sixty-sixth Indiana already there.

The rest of the men were distributed into the railroad-cut, and in some shallow rifle-trenches near the depot.

We had hardly made these preparations when the enemy was seen forming in a long line on the ridge to the south, about four hundred yards off, and soon after two parties of cavalry passed the railroad on both sides of us, cutting the wires and tearing up some rails.

Soon they opened on us with artillery (of which we had none), and their men were dismounting and preparing to assault.