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�formed their line once more, and the little handful of men went up the hill, scarcely expecting ever to return.  In order not to disclose our numbers - as I had now but two hundred guns - and to avoid bringing on an engagement in which I was sure to be overpowered, I forbid my men to fire, and trusted to the bayonet alone.  Throwing out two small detachments on each flank, we pushed straight up the hill.  The darkness favored us, concealing our force and preventing the enemy from getting range so that their volleys went over our heads, while they deemed it prudent to retire before us.  Just at the crest we found more serious difficulty and were obliged to fall back for a short time.  We advanced again with new energy, which the knowledge of our isolated and perilous position rendered perhaps desperate, and carried the desired point.  We took twenty five prisoners in this movement, among them some of the staff of Genl. Laws[?].  From these officers I learned that Hoods whole Division was massed but a short distance in front, that he had just prepared to advance and take possession of the heights, and was only waiting to ascertain the number and position of our force.  I posted my command among the rocks along the crest in line of battle,