Sherman's line of march led him to the very point on Walnut Hills occupied by the enemy the December before when he was repulsed.

Sherman was equally anxious with myself.

Our impatience led us to move in advance of the column and well up with the advanced skirmishers.

There were some detached works along the crest of the hill.

These were still occupied by the enemy, or else the garrison from Haines' Bluff had not all got past on their way to Vicksburg.