Longstreet passing through our lines to Kentucky need not cause alarm.

He would find the country so bare that he would lose his transportation and artillery before reaching Kentucky, and would meet such a force before he got through, that he could not return." Meantime, Sherman continued his crossing without intermission as fast as his troops could be got up.

The crossing had to be effected in full view of the enemy on the top of Lookout Mountain.

Once over, however, the troops soon disappeared behind the detached hill on the north side, and would not come to view again, either to watchmen on Lookout Mountain or Missionary Ridge, until they emerged between the hills to strike the bank of the river.

But when Sherman's advance reached a point opposite the town of Chattanooga, Howard, who, it will be remembered, had been concealed behind the hills on the north side, took up his line of march to join the troops on the south side.