I therefore ordered McCook to start at earliest peep of day, upon the Chestnutburg road (on which the wagon-master had been foraging), and passing beyond the hostile detachment, attack from the other side, it being agreed by all the scouting parties that this would drive the enemy toward our camp.

My own brigade would be disposed of to intercept the enemy and prevent escape.

McCook moved out as ordered, and following his guides came by many devious turns to a fork in the road, following which, they told him, a few minutes would bring him upon the enemy.

He halted the column, and with a small skirmishing party went carefully forward.

The guides pointed to a thicket from which the Confederates could be seen.