It rained all the 20th and 21st.

The river rose so rapidly that it was difficult to keep the pontoons in place.
General Orlando B.Willcox, a division commander under Burnside, was at this time occupying a position farther up the valley than Knoxville -- about Maynardville--and was still in telegraphic communication with the North.

A dispatch was received from him saying that he was threatened from the east.

The following was sent in reply: "If you can communicate with General Burnside, say to him that our attack on Bragg will commence in the morning.

If successful, such a move will be made as I think will relieve East Tennessee, if he can hold out.