Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 11.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

[174] that had been held so long and obstinately against it. A simultaneous and continuous shout from the two wings announced our success complete. The enemy had fought every man that he had, and every one had been in turn beaten. As it was almost dark, I ordered my line to remain as it was: ammunition boxes to be refilled, stragglers to be collected, and everything in readiness for the pursuit in the morning.

Early on the 21st the Commanding General stopped at my bivouac and asked my views as to our future movements. I suggested crossing the river above Chattanooga, so as to make ourselves sufficiently felt on the enemy's rear as to force his evacuation of Chattanooga; indeed, force him back upon Nashville, and, if we should find our transportation inadequate for a continuance of this movement, to follow up the railroad to Knoxville, destroy Burnside, and from there threaten the enemy's railroad communication in rear of Nashville.

This I supposed to be the only practicable flank movement, owing to the scarcity of our transportation; and it seemed to keep us very nearly as close to the railroad as we were at the time. At parting I understood the Commanding General to agree that such was probably our best move, and that he was about to give the necessary orders for its execution. Orders came in the afternoon for the march. The rear of the right wing did not move until quite dark. I did not, therefore, put my wing in motion till daylight the following morning. Before moving on the morning of the 22d, McLaws's division was ordered to follow the enemy on to Chattanooga. The remainder of the command marched for the Red-House Ford, and halted about noon. During that night I received orders to march the entire command back to Chattanooga, and moved in pursuance thereof early on the 23d. We reached the Watkins House about 11 o'clock A. M., and proceeded to take up a line around the enemy's position at Chatanooga. I desire to mention the following named officers as distinguished for conduct and ability, viz: Major-Generals Hoods, Buckner, Hindman and Stewart; Brigadier-Generals B. R. Johnson, Preston, Law, (respectively in command of division), Kershaw, Patton, Anderson, Gracie, McNair), (severely wounded), and Colonels Trigg and Kelly, both in command of brigades. Honorable mention should also be made of Brigadier-General Humphreys, Benning, Deas, Clayton, Bate, Brown, Robertson and Manigault. For more detailed accounts of the noble deeds performed by our gallant officers and brave soldiers, I refer you to the reports of my junior officers. The steady good conduct throughout the long conflict of the subordinate