At noon, we arrived at Rock Cove mountain, and, on climbing to its summit, went into camp.
We remained here undisturbed during the following day, when, at evening roll-call, we were ordered to prepare to march. A large number of troops had come in during the day, and it was evident to all that something important was soon to occur.
At 1 o’clock on the morning of September 8th, we resumed our march, and without an incident, at night camped by the road-side. At daybreak the following morning, again moved forward, and just before noon arrived at the celebrated Lookout Mountain, and at once commenced its ascent. We were soon in plain view of Chattanooga; and from the top of this mountain the prospect of the surrounding country was grand and picturesque in the extreme.
Owing to the breaking down of a number of the transportation wagons, it was late in the day ere we were all safely over. But great was our surprise, on now finding ourselves faced in a contrary direction to Chattanooga. Soon, however, we learned that the enemy had evacuated the town, and were retreating towards Lafayette; so in that direction we shaped our course. Proceeding five miles further, we camped for the night.
The next day we continued the march, and now began to have skirmishes with the enemy’s rear-guard, and it was thought that a general engagement would soon be brought about.
Shortly before dark, we crossed the small river of Chickamauga, and two miles further on came to a halt.
We moved on the next morning, and after proceeding five miles, halted for dinner. But while we were quietly partaking of our food, a sudden and unexpected assault was made by a force of the enemy’s cavalry, which resulted in the capture of about fifty men of the First Kentucky Infantry, of our brigade, and who were on picket guard. So emboldened were the Rebels by their exploit, that they made a second dash, and into our very midst. But they met with a sudden check, and were soon put to flight, leaving several of their number dead and wounded in our hands. For the remainder of the day we were not disturbed, and lay in camp till the next morning.
The next day, at 10 o’clock in the morning, we arrived at the small town of Graysville. At this place were several mills and factories, which had been used in manufacturing various articles for the Confederates. These works were ordered to be destroyed, which was speedily accomplished, and soon thereafter we were again moving.
At 2 o’clock P. M., we reached the town of Ringgold. It was near this place that Colonel Creighton, and Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, of the gallant Seventh Ohio Infantry, were soon afterwards killed, while charging up the steeps at the head of their men.
We were here informed that the enemy’s rear guard had been driven from the town by our advance cavalry.