o work upon
the fortifications around the city.

Knoxville then rested entirely upon an elevated plateau, skirting along
the right bank of the Holston river, which is the main branch of the
Tennessee. This plateau was divided into three portions by two creeks,
named first and second creeks, respectively, from the north. Third creek
was just south of our position at Fort Saunders. This name was given the
fort about the 20th of November, in honor of Colonel Saunders, who was
killed at Armstrong's House. This division of the plateau gave one the
impression that the city was built upon three hills. On all prominent
points strong works were erected, some of them enclosed. These forts
were joined by strong rifle pits. Also there was an inner line of
enclosed works. On the left or south bank were several knobs 200 or 300
feet in height. The river was crossed by a pontoon bridge. We had
possession of the most commanding knob, had a good road to its summit
and it was well fortified.

We had a large mounted force which operated principally on the left bank
of the river. Forage and other supplies were sent down the French Broad
and Holston rivers. In fact, during the whole siege, we were never very
much interfered with on the south side of the river opposite and above
Knoxville. Our force was about 15,000, and that of General Longstreet's
20,000 men. On the 18th we, from Fort Saunders, witnessed a gallant
fight for the possession of the Armstrong House, on the Loudon road,
about a mile and a half from Saunders. This position was held by 2,000
or 3,000 of our mounted men, and it required the whole force of McLaw to
capture the house.

As soon as our forces retreated down the road under cover of our works,
the rebels immediately took possession of the house. Lieutenant Benjamin
then made a beautiful shot, sending at the first trial a 20-pound shell
into the house, setting it on fire. Had the rebels not extinguished the
fire the house would have been burned down. On the 20th we erected a
flagstaff and sent up a flag in the fort. This created much enthusiasm
all along our line. Our fortifications were greatly strengthened by
bales of cotton, covered with green cattle hides. We felt by this time
that we could easily hold our own against the enemy.

A house on the north side of the Loudon road, from which its owners had
fled, was taken possession of by the enemy's sharpshooters. It was
outside of our lines, but was near enough to ou