Move the advance force early, on the most easterly road taken by the enemy.
U.S.G.
This compelled me to reverse our column, so as to use the bridge across the Chickamauga at its mouth.

The next day we struck the rebel rear at Chickamauga Station, and again near Graysville.
There we came in contact with Hooker's and Palmer's troops, who had reached Ringgold.

There I detached Howard to cross Taylor's Ridge, and strike the railroad which comes from the north by Cleveland to Dalton.

Hooker's troops were roughly handled at Ringgold, and the pursuit was checked.

Receiving a note from General Hooker, asking help, I rode forward to Ringgold to explain the movement of Howard; where I met General Grant, and learned that the rebels had again retreated toward Dalton.