The detachment safely passed all the bad places and obstacles in the
road, arriving at Gen. Wheeler's headquarters about half past 4
o'clock, and reported. It was assigned a position between the advance
outposts and directed to dispose of its guns in such a manner as to
sweep the hills on which these outposts were placed. High hills to the
right at a distance of about 2000 yards were supposed to be infested
by the enemy, and a blockhouse which stood out against the sky-line
was thought to contain a Spanish detachment. A high hill to the left
at a distance of about 1000 yards had not yet been explored, and it
was thought probable that some of the enemy was concealed on this hill
also. The detachment commander was directed to report, after posting
his battery, in which duty he was assisted by Col. Dorst, to Gen.
Chaffee, who had charge of the outposts. The General inquired what the
battery consisted of, and upon being informed that "It consists of
four Gatling guns, posted so as to command the neighboring hills,"
remarked in a very contemptuous manner, "You can't command anything."
Gen. Chaffee subsequently had reason to revise his opinion, if not to
regret the expression of it.
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