As it was, my ankle was very much injured, so much so that my boot had to be cut off.

For two or three days after I was unable to walk except with crutches.
On the 5th General Nelson, with a division of Buell's army, arrived at Savannah and I ordered him to move up the east bank of the river, to be in a position where he could be ferried over to Crump's landing or Pittsburg as occasion required.

I had learned that General Buell himself would be at Savannah the next day, and desired to meet me on his arrival.

Affairs at Pittsburg landing had been such for several days that I did not want to be away during the day.

I determined, therefore, to take a very early breakfast and ride out to meet Buell, and thus save time.