Kirby, we will have to get together sometime and compare notes on this action. Actually Stony Battery, the geographic feature, is the gap located one mile south of the Big Creek crossing. Today, folks from the area confuse that with Stoney Battery, the lodge, which is on Big Creek.

The rear companies occupied Stony Battery the gap, which is highly defensible, as the mountains on either side go up at least 500 ft of almost impassable terrain. Reportedly Reeves' mounted partisans went around them, using a gap just to the west, and tried to cut the MSM off from the bridge at Big Creek. The MSM, however, fought their way through and made it to the north side of the creek where they held their position on the Arcadia telegraph road.

Eventually the road through the gap was partially replaced by a newer road bulldozed along the hill. But the original roadbed can still be seen and walked through the gap.

The telegraph wire trick was a good one. I have heard of it being used elsewhere as well, but can't remember where...