Union commander Dixon Miles learned that Confederate forces were approaching Harpers Ferry from three directions and, under orders to hold the town until the last extremity, divided his troops to keep Maryland Heights, the highest mountain, and defend Bolivar Heights, the longest ridge. As he watched "Stonewall" Jackson's 14,000 men spread across Schoolhouse Ridge, news arrived that his soldiers had lost the fight for Maryland Heights, leaving Bolivar Heights as the Union army's last bastion. Sergeant Nicolas DeGraff of the 115th New York recalled their surprise at facing the enemy so soon, their pride in being entrusted with the duty, and their determination to do it.