Eumenes

And when Craterus[*](One of the ablest of Alexander’s officers, who, in the division of the empire that followed Alexander’s death, was made ruler, in common with Antipater, of Macedonia and Greece.) and Antipater, after overpowering the Greeks,[*](In the battle of Crannon, Aug. 7, 322, which put an end to the revolt of the Greeks and the war called the Lamian war.) were crossing into Asia[*](In 321 B.C.) to overthrow the power of Perdiccas, and were reported to be planning an invasion of Cappadocia, Perdiccas, who was himself heading an expedition against Ptolemy,[*](Now governor of Egypt.) appointed Eumenes commander of the forces in Armenia and Cappadocia with plenary powers.

He also sent letters on the subject, in which he commanded Alcetas[*](A brother of Perdiccas.) and Neoptolemus to look to Eumenes for orders, and Eumenes to manage matters as he thought best. Alcetas, then, flatly refused to serve in the campaign, on the ground that the Macedonians under him were ashamed to fight Antipater, and were so well disposed to Craterus that they were ready to receive him with open arms. Neoptolemus, however, plotting treachery against Eumenes, was detected, and when he was summoned would not obey, but drew up his forces in battle array.

Here first did Eumenes reap the fruit of his forethought and preparation; for when his infantry had already been defeated, he routed Neoptolemus with his cavalry, and captured his baggage, and when the men-at-arms of Neoptolemus were scattered in pursuit of their enemies, charged upon them with his entire body of horse and compelled them to lay down their arms and make oath with him to serve under him.