General Elliott had been ordered by Thomas on the 26th of November, to proceed from Alexandria, Tennessee, to Knoxville, with his cavalry division to aid in the relief of that place.
The approach of Sherman caused Longstreet to raise the siege of Knoxville and retreat eastward on the night of the 4th of December. Sherman succeeded in throwing his cavalry into Knoxville on the night of the 3d.
Sherman arrived in person at Knoxville on the 6th, and after a conference with Burnside in reference to "organizing a pursuing force large enough to either overtake the enemy and beat him or drive him out of the State," Burnside was of the opinion that the corps of Granger, in conjunction with his own command, was sufficient for that purpose, and on the 7th addressed to Sherman the following communication:
"Knoxville, December 7th, 1863.
"To
"Major-General Sherman.
"I desire to express to you and to your command my most hearty thanks and gratitude for your promptness in coming to our relief during the siege of Knoxville, and I am satisfied that your approach served to raise the siege. The emergency having passed, I do not deem for the present any other portion of your command, but the corps of General Granger, necessary for operations in this section, and inasmuch as General Grant has weakened the forces immediately with him in order to relieve us, thereby rendering portions of General Thomas' less secure, I deem it advisable that all the troops now here, except those commanded by General Granger, should return at once to within supporting distance of the forces operating against Bragg's army. In behalf of my command I again desire to thank you and your command, for the kindness you have done us.
"A. E. Burnside, Major-General."
Leaving Granger's command at Knoxville, Sherman with the remainder of his forces returned by slow marches to Chattanooga.
I have not spoken more particularly of the result of the pursuit of the enemy, because the more detailed reports accompanying this do the subject justice. For the same reason I have not particularized the part taken by Corps and Division Commanders.
To Brigadier-General W. F. Smith, Chief Engineer, I feel under more than ordinary obligations for the masterly manner in which he discharged the duties of his position, and desire that his services be fully appreciated by higher authority.
The members of my staff discharged faithfully their respective duties, for which they have my warmest thanks.