r division was held as support to
General Sherman, who was ordered to make a demonstration on Fort
Buckner, on Tunnel Hill. When Sherman's persistence had drawn nearly
one-half the force from Fort Bragg to Fort Buckner, six signal guns,
fired at intervals of two seconds, told the advance of the Fourth Corps
to the assault on Fort Bragg. This assault proved a complete success.
The rebel works were captured, and with Hooker on their left flank and
rear, and their centre broken, they were in a complete rout. Here ended
the day, and under cover of night Bragg's army beat a hasty and
disorderly retreat.

During this battle our brigade was not engaged, but being held in close
reserve, it could see things well done. The next thing on the programme
was the pursuit. Our division was ordered to march at one o'clock A.M.,
on the 26th, and crossing the Chickamauga by the pontoon at its mouth,
pushed forward for the enemy's depot, and by eleven A.M. it appeared at
the depot, just in time to see it in flames. Entering with one brigade,
General Davis found the enemy occupying two hills partially entrenched,
just beyond the depot. They were soon driven away. At this place was to
be found all manner of things, burning and broken. Corn and corn-meal,
wagons, caissons, guns, pontoons, balks, chesses, and the like, were
lying around promiscuously.

As the command advanced, every kind of plunder lined the road, the
private soldier having even thrown away his provisions and clothing,
being in the utmost confusion and excitement. When the division reached
Shepherd's run, some two miles north of Grayville, it found the enemy's
rear guard intending to camp, and showing a disposition for fight.
Accordingly, General Davis ordered it into line and to charge the
rebels away. It was not long in executing orders. After running a long
distance, jumping fences, creeks and other obstacles, it found the
enemy in strong skirmish force, which was made to give ground, but
night drawing near, no decisive advantage was gained.

Our division held its position until morning, when it was again set off
on the pursuit, marching in supporting distance of General Hooker who
was engaging the enemy at the Ringgold pass. After several charges,
Hooker finally succeeded in dislodging the rebel force, and took
possession, capturing three hundred prisoners. The loss of Hooker's
command here was heavier than in the capture of Lookout mountain.

The junction of Bragg and