A second repulse convinced our enemy that a direct attack would not be a brilliant success; he then opened his artillery, and began a series of flank movements, which were promptly and successfully met and frustrated by Gen. Burnside.
About half-past five o'clock in the afternoon our battery was ordered to pull out of our position, section at a time, and commence our march towards Knoxville. The right section went first, then the centre, and last the left. During this time a long-range battery of the rebels was making it very uncomfortable for us. The twenty-pound shells were falling and exploding unpleasantly near, creating a great disturbance among our mules; indeed it required the united efforts of our own men, together with a large detail of infantry, to control them sufficiently to limber our pieces. At last it was accomplished, and considerably after dark we reached the road, and made as rapid progress as possible towards Knoxville.
This was our second night out, and it found every man thoroughly exhausted. For thirty hours the men had not slept or partaken of food, excepting a little corn bread, and were covered with mud from head to foot, which the freezing weather had stiffened, making it difficult to walk, adding to our uncomfortable condition. Many would have lain down by the roadside for rest if they had been allowed to do so, but infantry carefully patrolled the road and for a considerable distance on either side. Anyone found inclined to take a nap was aroused and started on his way.
The battery reached Knoxville at about three o'clock in the morning, and went into camp near an earthwork, afterwards called Fort Sanders. The troops began to arrive about daylight on the 17th, and were assigned to positions in the defence line of Knoxville, by Capt. O.M. Poe, Chief Engineer, Army of the Ohio.
The Siege of Knoxville, Tennessee.
The site occupied by the City of Knoxville, which we were to defend, was in front of a plateau of about half a mile in width, running parallel to and near the Holston River. This plateau was intersected by three creeks, First, Second and Third, giving the position the appearance of separate hills. First Creek separated Knoxville from East Knoxville, or Temperance Hill; Second Creek separated the town from College Hill; and Third Creek ran into the river beyond our lines.
To the north and west of the town the plateau descended gradually to a valley or basin of about three-quarters of a mile in width, beyond which was a small plateau similar to the one just described, and of about the same height. On this ridge the enemy's forces were stationed, with their batteries at prominent points.