The crossing of the Gauley was therefore the gate through which all important movements from eastern into southwestern Virginia must necessarily come, and it formed an important link in any chain of posts designed to cover the Ohio valley from invasion.

It was also the most advanced single post which could protect the Kanawha valley.

Further to the southeast, on Flat-top Mountain, was another very strong position, where the principal road on the left bank of New River crosses a high and broad ridge; but a post could not be safely maintained there without still holding Gauley Bridge in considerable force, or establishing another post on the right bank of New River twenty miles further up.

All these streams flow in rocky beds seamed and fissured to so great a degree that they had no practicable fords.

You might go forty miles up New River and at least twenty up the Gauley before you could find a place where either could be passed by infantry or wagons.