Our Battery reached Chattanooga about dark the same night, and early the following morning the forge and baggage wagons crossed the river. The army took position in the town and extended their works for several miles along the river. Skirmishing frequently ensued, and the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga were fought, when Bragg was compelled to give up the offensive, and retire, with his whole army, into Georgia.
CONCLUSION.
During the intervals of these battles, our Company, as well as the entire Army of the Cumberland, suffered greatly for the want of suitable food. For many days we were on quarter rations; and, for some time, had but one biscuit per day. The horses fared still worse; and it often happened that, for two or three consecutive days, we had nothing wherewith to feed them. The Rebels had possession of the country in our front, where forage only could be obtained. They also had command of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, on the South side of the Tennessee river; so, our supplies were transported by wagons by the way of Stevenson.
Finally, it being found impossible to procure provisions for the entire army, a number of batteries were placed in the Reserve Corps. Our Battery was of the number.
On the morning of October 19th, the order was given to send all the horses belonging to the Reserve to Stevenson, and that the batteries be moved across the river. This was done, and we went into quarters at Black Oak Ridge, where we found comfortable log houses which had been erected by Union troops, who had previously occupied the place.
We remained in camp at this place, until the battle of Chattanooga, when, by orders of General Thomas, we were sent to Nashville. Captain Standart had sent in his resignation, which was accepted, and, on the 12th of November, he left for home. The command of the Battery now devolved on Lieutenant Baldwin, he being the senior officer on duty.
On Sunday evening, December 6th, we arrived at Nashville, and on the following day went into camp one mile from the city. Five other Batteries occupied the same quarters—all under the personal command of Colonel Barnett. We were designated as the First Division of Reserve Artillery.
Soon after arriving here, Lieutenant Baldwin—much to the gratification of all the members of the company—received his commission as Captain.