The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 30, In Four Parts. Part 1, Reports. Page: 55
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THE CIIICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN.
Ridge, his right communicating with General Thomas, where he
remained until General McCook had effected a junction with Gen-
eral Thomas.
Minty, with his cavalry, reconnoitered the enemy on the 15th and
reported him in force at Dalton, Ringgold, and Leet's, and Rock
Springs Church. The head of General McCook's column being
reported near the same day, General Crittenden was ordered to
return to his old position at Gordon's Mills, his line resting along the
Chickamauga via Crawfish. Spring.
Thus, on the evening of the 17th, the troops were substantially
within supporting distance. Orders were given at once to move the
whole line northeastwardly down the Chickamauga, with a view to
covering the La Fayette road toward Chattanooga, and facing ,the
most practicable route to the enemy's front.
The position of our troops and the narrowness of the roads
retarded our movements. During the day while they were in prog-
ress, our cavalry, under Colonel Minty, was attacked on the left in
the vicinity of Reed's Bridge, and Wilder's mounted infantry were
attacked by infantry and driven into the La Fayette road.
It became apparent that the enemy was massing heavily on our
left, crossing Reed's and Alexander's Bridges in force while he had
threatened Gordon's Mills.
Orders were therefore promptly given to General Thomas to re-
lieve General Crittenden's corps, posting one division near Crawfish
Spring, and to move with the remainder of his corps by the Widow
Glenn's house to the Rossville and La Fayette road, his left extend-
ing obliquely across it near Kelly's house.
General Crittenden was ordered to proceed with Van Cleve's and
Palmer's divisions, to drive the enemy from the Rossville road and
form on the left of General Wood, then at Gordon's Mills.
General McCook's corps was to close up on General Thomas,
occupy the position at Crawfish Spring, and protect General Crit-
tenden's right, while holding his corps mainly in reserve.
The main cavalry force was ordered to close in on General Mc-
Cook's right, watch the crossing of the Chickamauga, and act under
his orders.
The movement for the concentration of the corps more compactly
toward Crawfish Spring was begun on the morning of the 18th,
under orders to conduct it very secretly, and was executed so slowly
that McCook's corps only reached Pond Spring at dark, and biv-
ouacked, resting on their arms during the night. Crittenden's corps
reached its position on the Rossville road near midnight.
Evidence accumulated during the day of the 18th that the enemy
was moving to our left. Minty's cavalry and Wilder's mounted bri-
gade encountered the enemy's cavalry at Reed's and Alexander's
Bridges, and toward evening were driven into the Rossville road.
At the same time the enemy had been demonstrating for 3 miles up
the Chickamauga. Heavy clouds of dust had been observed 3 or 4
miles beyond the Chickamauga, sweeping to the northeast.
In view of all these facts, the necessity became apparent that Gen-
eral Thomas must use all possible dispatch in moving his corps to
the position assigned it. He was therefore directed to proceed with
afl dispatch, and General McCook to close up to Crawfish Spring as
soon as Thomas' column was out of the way. Thomas pushed for-
ward uninterruptedly during the night, and at daylight the head of
his column had reached Kelly's house on the La Fayette road, where55
CHAP. XLII.]
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United States. War Department. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 30, In Four Parts. Part 1, Reports., book, 1890; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth152978/m1/66/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.