CHAPTER XI.
Murfreesboro—General Greene—The Mule Brigade—Congratulatory.
While at Murfreesboro scouts reported that Wheeler's
cavalry was in the vicinity, and the Second division
(Geary's) was pushed forward to meet it, the First division
remaining to guard the post and railway communication.
Geary moved forward in the direction of Bridgeport,
encountering Wheeler's force near the line of the
railway. A brief but sharp skirmish ensued, which resulted
in the repulse and hasty retreat of the rebels. We
then advanced without delay to Bridgeport. October
27th the Second division, Geary commanding, with
Creighton and Greene in command of the First and
Second brigades, crossed the Tennessee, the object to
open communication on the south side of the river by
way of Wauhatchie valley and Lookout mountain for the
relief of General Thomas at Chattanooga.
Brigadier-general Greene, with three regiments of infantry and four pieces of Knapp's battery, numbering about fifteen hundred men, with a wagon train of provisions, was sent to the relief of the famishing army at Chattanooga, the balance of our command following as fast as practicable with the immense supply train in charge. After we had encamped for the night the signal corps of General Greene informed us that his command had encamped at Wauhatchie, within six miles of Chattanooga. The knoll occupied by them derived its name from an Indian battle fought there years before. It is situated in the valley not far from the base of Lookout mountain. Knapp's guns were placed in position facing
