We fell back now, and had to strip and wade Chickamauga river.

It was up to our armpits, and was as cold as charity.

We had to carry our clothes across on the points of our bayonets.

Fires had been kindled every few yards on the other side, and we soon got warmed up again.
RINGGOLD GAP I had got as far as Ringgold Gap, when I had unconsciously fallen asleep by a fire, it being the fourth night that I had not slept a wink.
Before I got to this fire, however, a gentleman whom I never saw in my life--because it was totally dark at the time--handed me a letter from the old folks at home, and a good suit of clothes.

He belonged to Colonel Breckinridge's cavalry, and if he ever sees these lines, I wish to say to him, "God bless you, old boy." I had lost every blanket and vestige of clothing, except those I had on, at Missionary Ridge.