I reached General Hooker's headquarters during a rain, in the afternoon of the 20th, and met General Grant's orders for the general attack on the next day.

It was simply impossible for me to fulfill my part in time; only one division (General John E.Smith's) was in position.

General Ewing was still at Trenton, and the other two were toiling along the terrible road from Shellmound to Chattanooga.

No troops ever were or could be in better condition than mine, or who labored harder to fulfill their part.

On a proper representation, General Grant postponed the attack.