s, whose force was to be directed against the enemy's
left.

McCook advanced and after skirmishing all day, followed by a brisk fight
towards evening, took possession of Nolensville and the heights about one
and one-half miles in front. Thomas followed on the right, closing
Negley's division on Nolensville and leaving Rousseau's division on the
right flank. Crittenden advanced to LaVergne, with heavy skirmishing,
through a rough country, intersected by forests and cedar brakes.

On the 27th, McCook advanced on Triune, but his movements were retarded by
a dense fog, which made it impossible to tell friend from foe. Stanley,
with the greater part of the cavalry, had joined McCook, and in the fog
the cavalry was fired upon by the infantry. The march was stopped until
the fog lifted, and Triune was therefore not reached until late in the
day, although it was only seven miles from Nolensville.

Thomas moved eastward to Crittenden's right. Crittenden moved forward
slowly, delaying his movements until the action of McCook's corps should
determine the real state of affairs. Thomas was now in position to support
either McCook or Crittenden, as the case might require.

On the 28th, McCook made sure by a strong reconnaisance that Hardee was
retreating, and Thomas closed on Crittenden, who remained in position,
bringing up his trains and making ready for battle.

On the 29th, McCook left one brigade of Johnson's division at Triune to
cover the right and rear, and advanced to within about six miles of
Murfreesboro'. The corps was encamped in line of battle with Sheridan's
division on the left, Davis in the center, and Johnson on the right.
Negley's division of Thomas's corps advanced in support of Crittenden's
corps, the head and flank of which reached a point about two miles from
Murfreesboro'; Rousseau's division remained at Stewartsboro'. It was now
plain that the enemy would give battle near Murfreesboro'. During the
afternoon a report reached Rosecrans from Palmer that he was in sight of
Murfreesboro' and the enemy was running. He therefore ordered Crittenden
to occupy Murfreesboro' with a division. Crittenden sent a brigade across
Stone's river and surprised a regiment of Breckenridge's division and
pushed it back on the main line. It was found that the rebels were
occupying a strong position in force, and, it being then dark, the brigade
was withdrawn across the river. Fords were prepared by the pioneer
brigade. Negley's,