We crossed the Holston river and continued our retreat to Knoxville, the enemy following to within a few miles of the city.
From here we crossed the river moving south-west through Seviersville, and on up the south side of French Broad river, capturing two pieces of artillery at Fair Garden, when we fell back through Mears and Tuchalechy cove, to Little river, where we camped near one week, during which time a detachment of the brigade were sent into North Carolina to capture Thomas’ Legion, which was made up mostly of Indians, (Thomas being formerly an Indian agent.)
The expedition was successful, they brought back 50 prisoners, but not without heavy loss on our own side.
In the meantime one battallion of the 7th was sent back through Mears to Tuchlechy to create a diversion and hold the Gap while the expedition was being made.
Our camp was then moved to Maryville where we remained a few days scouting and skirmishing continually.
From here we moved back to Knoxville, making scouts occasionally on the south side of the river toward Maryville and on the north side as far as Strawberry Plains.
After remaining here about ten days the regiment moved out to Buffalo creek a distance of forty miles.
As we had to subsist exclusively off of the country for forage and provisions for men and the horses, and the supply becoming exhausted our horses were reduced to skeletons and were no longer able to do duty.
Fifty of the strongest horses were selected from each Regiment accompanied by Col. Garrard and moved east as far as Russelville, where they remained two weeks scouting and skirmishing continually, having in some instances hand to hand engagements.
In the meanwhile the regiment returned to the vicinity of Knoxville and from there went out Clinch river to Wallace’s road, remaining there a few days it returned to Knoxville, being joined by the 50 men above mentioned.