re was to be a great
battle fought, and the imperative necessity for a victory by our forces
East at this particular time.

"The enemy found means by which to pass the obstructions in his way,
and moved through the country in different directions. Finding that the
movements of our army were slow, he seemed to feel that there was no
immediate danger of a serious engagement. But the surrender of our
forces under Gen. Milo (who died immediately afterwards) so elated the
rebel army that they were determined to attack our forces whenever and
wherever opportunity offered. Both parties were, however, maneuvering
for some advantage; the General of the rebel forces holding McGregor off
until his force under Wall could come up from Brown's Ferry. The cavalry
of both armies were now scouting continuously for many miles on the
flanks of the armies. The pickets were out quite a distance in advance
of the opposing forces. No conflict had yet occurred between any of
the outposts. Finally the commander of the rebel forces selected his
position and gave challenge to our forces, with his rear to the Grand
River, covering two main roads leading to the rear, his front facing
the winding course of Antler's Run, his right resting on a bridge at the
main crossing, his center occupying a ridge commanding the open fields
in his front, the right of his left and right center resting on the
junction of the two main roads, his extreme left refused so as to form
an angle at his left center, extending along and through a skirt of
heavy woods; his reserves to the rear on the roads, so as to be thrown
easily to the center or either flank in case of necessity; the country
to his front, right and left being very uneven, full of gulches and
ravines, difficult of passage, especially under fire. So posted he
flaunted the rebel flag in the face of our army, although at this
time his main support had not arrived from Brown's Ferry. But no doubt
existed in his mind, I presume, as to their coming up in good time.
McGregor did not then seem inclined to accept the challenge, His command
was moving slowly. Farlin, still in command of a corps (for shame be it
ever to our indulgent chiefs), was some distance away and did not arrive
on that day. So the armies rested. In the meantime Gen. Anderson
was eager for the fray. He visited Gen. McGregor's headquarters and
indicated his desire to bring on the engagement, saying very soon the
enemy would be so securely posted t