These divisions operated along the upper fords of the Chickamauga during the 19th. September 20th, they crossed at Glass Mill, and forced Long's Brigade back to Crawfish Springs. They then recrossed the river, proceeded to Lee and Gordon's, and advanced from that point to Crawfish Springs, capturing the Union hospitals

there about sundown.

CHAPTER VII.

ROSECRANS AT CHATTANOOGA--BRAGG'S INEVESTMENT.*

At midnight of September 20th, the Union army had reached Rossville, where it bivouacked under direction of Gen. Thomas, covering Rossville and McFarland's Gaps. During the night rations and ammunition were sent from Chattanooga by Gen. Rosecrans. Early in the morning the various divisions and corps were assembled and placed in position.

Crittenden's Corps occupied Missionary Ridge north of Rossville Gap, Thomas' Corps, the gap and the road to McFarland's Gap, and McCook's Corps, the mounted infantry and the cavalry, the Chattanooga Valley to Lookout.

Palmer's Division of Crittenden's Corps held the point of Missionary Ridge next to Rossville Gap with Wood's Division to its left on the ridge, and Steedman's Division of Granger's Corps still to the left as a reserve. Van Cleve's Division was sent to Chattanooga during the night of the 20th, and Dick's Brigade of that division with the 39th Indiana Mounted Infantry, Col. Harrison, was sent at 1 P. M. to hold the gaps in Missionary Ridge east of the city, and the bridge on the Harrison Road over the Chickamauga.

Baird's Division of Thomas' Corps held Rossville Gap with Negley's Division thrown forward to the spurs overlooking the roads to Ringgold and the battle field. John Beatty's and D. McCook's Brigades held the point of the ridge next south of Rossville Gap. Brannan's and Reynolds' Divisions were placed across the road to McFarland's Gap, and Johnson's, Sheridan's, and Davis' Divisions of McCook's

* See map, page 110.

Corps continued the line westward across Chattanooga Valley.

Mitchell's Cavalry occupied McFarland's Gap, and resisted the advance of Wheeler's Cavalry on that flank. Minty's Cavalry was thrown forward on the Ringgold Road to the vicinity of McAfee's Church.

Except an advance of Forrest's command toward Rossville Gap on the La Fayette and Ringgold Roads, and of a part of Wheeler's command toward McFarland's Gap, and slight skirmishing with the Union lines, the latter were not disturbed during the day.

During the night of the 21st, the Union army was withdrawn to Chattanooga. Crittenden's two divisions moved to their left along Missionary Ridge, followed at midnight by Steedman's Division. Thomas' Corps marched on the direct road from Rossville; Brannan's Division occupied a line at dusk half way to the city, and held it until the other three divisions of the corps had passed, and followed them soon after midnight. McCook's Corps then withdrew by divisions. from left to right.

Each brigade of the army left its pickets with a regiment to support them, and Baird's Division remained as a reserve of all the pickets. In front of the infantry pickets was the cavalry. At daylight these covering lines of infantry withdrew and their places were taken by the cavalry. At an early hour Forrest advanced upon the latter at Rossville Gap, and Wheeler pressed Mitchell in Chattanooga Valley. McLaw's Infantry Division of Hood's Corps. was sent forward to assist Forrest, and thus supported, the latter pushed forward to within two miles of Chattanooga to the vicinity of the Watkin's House. Gen. Wheeler formed a junction with him at that point.

Meantime, the Union lines had been formed in front of Chattanooga with McCook's Corps on the right, Thomas' in the center, and Crittenden's on the left. By noon of Septemter 22d, this line was fairly covered by rifle pits.