The march was made with all possible celerity, for the situation was critical and demanded every exertion.
The ascent and descent of the mountains was extremely exhausting, the steep grades often rendering it necessary to drag up and let down by hand both the transportation and artillery.

But at last we were in conjunction with the main army, and my division breathed easier.
On the 17th I remained in line of battle all day and night in front of McLamore's cove, the enemy making slight demonstrations against me from the direction of Lafayette.

The main body of the army having bodily moved to the left meanwhile, I followed it on the 18th, encamping at Pond Spring.

On the 19th I resumed the march to the left and went into line of battle at Crawfish Springs to cover our right and rear.

Immediately after forming this line, I again became isolated by the general movement to the left, and in consequence was directed to advance and hold the ford of Chickamauga Creek at Lee and Gordon's Mills, thus coming into close communication with the balance of our forces.