The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-04-17
SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE.
Seine "reminiscences Of Burnside :
East Tennessee Campaign.
rRy caq.. " rqllon. cspt. o. =, sia N I roIsl

I,ennir's. ia East Tennessee, orders were issued
for the troops 70 make themselves rs comfort
able as possible. now that cold weather was
fast approaching it being then late 10 October,
1863
The 9th corps. having recently passed
through the hardsaips OF the Mississippi cam
pagn, had returned to Burnside in Ohio in
time to enter on the new campaign for the de-
liveFance OF East Tennessee faded and weak
ened by lnalarions disease, we assembled the
lofty cliffs nf the Cnmberlands forded the three
largo rivers that lay ia our pathway and crossed
the border Of Kentucky through Cumberland
Gap into Tennessee. After a few days more Of
marching, by he way OF Tazewell and Jacks
boro', we reached Knoxville, remaining there
& short time and then marched 10 BenoiTs,
supposing that place TO be eur destination lor
some time 10 come.
1t seemed for awhile as though the much
needed rest had come at last III our new en-
canpmcnt on that level plain. Houses nf mud,
logs and branches sprung up in day, and, as
the prospect seemed brighter for heightened
stay. improvements were daily made Until a
camp IN all lis magnitude surrounded rs.
The Government train arrived daily from
Knoxville bringing rs provisions and alnmu-
milton, which were brought over the noun
sains in wagon trains of great length, SO long
as cur communications were kept open
The water tanks were left unt8ached by the
enemy at the railroad station. which they
burned. giving a full supply Of water to our
locomotives. The two mills, which ran by
water power from large stream. we're al our
service, and everything WAS as desirable as
could be expected for winter quarters. Drills
and paTades were again resumed, and affairs
went smoothly until the morning of the l4th
Of November, when the camp was al astir.
Aids and orderlies galloped here and there
with their messages. while the uRwelcome
summons 10 take everything and fall in, y
without further notice, caused many regrets at
the thought Of leaving those SING quarters on
q cold day. The line of march was soon es-
tlblisaed, and instead Of going in the direc-
ton Of Knoxville we started for the Hoiston
River, four miles distant. In the opposite direc-
ton, 70 join the 23d corps who had discovered
that Longstreet had crossed over on his pom
-toons al Hough's Ferry, some distance below.
GENERAL WHITES ATTACK.
fierce attack was here made by General
White and his division, while the troops Of the
9th were well up 70 their support, and the day
passed with the enemy still in check, each side
holding its position. The next day we COM
menced falling back slowly TO Lenoir's, on dis
covering the enemy working around TO our
night, but they did not press Us hard.
Thus, il viii be seen that the enemy's OBJ
ject was to make US believe that they did not
intend TO force the fighting while making the
best disposition they coald OF what troops they
kept ia our front at the same time that por-
ton Of them were moving northward on the
road leading TO and from Kingston, for the
purpose Of cutting rs of from Campbelis
Station.
Burnside well knew that there were only
two roads leading 70 Knoxville, which came 10
a forked point al CalnpbeIls Station, and il
the enemy should take the north road lesding
from Kingston and reach the junction ahead
of Us. We woald be entirely cut of from Knox
vile and left in very dangerous position with
al inferior force.
As soon, therefore. as he became aware Of
this strategic movement orders were rapidly
given along the lines aud the retreat began
AS soon as we commenced 10 withdraw, i
VIII he remembered, the eneny's force left in
our front followed US up closely. Occasional
skirna ishing was indulged IN. which made oal
movements very uncertain and slow.
All night long they were close upon rs in
our rear, while one of their divisions was NOV
ing on the road north Of rs Both armies on
the saHae, and one on a parallel road; the dark
night approaching. the weather cold and
stormy. each striving for the coveted point
Who would reach il 1rstg
A few details Of this long, weary night may
he Of interest here.
Finding ii impossible to take everything
with rs, orders were given to burn and ahan
don az supplies and baggage that could be dis
peBseG with aud destroy the mills. 1t was
TaN, gloomy night, and The rain drizzled down
as tramped through the mud Oh our retreat
toward Knoxville we passed the smOuldeFins
ashes Of cur late camp-ires, and an inward
desire thai we might remain and warm our
selves crossed orr minds as We marched by
wet and chilled through
To those who are not aware OF the fact.
may state the retreat from LenOiTs and tn
siege OF Knoxville was necessary. in order tha
Thomas might meet Hood deprived Of the ali
Of Longstreet As Burnside was fortunatel,
50 placed as 10 act with Thomas aud cosx Long
street from the main Confederate army, Gen
eTal Grant left Burnside 70 his own choic
whether 70 fail back on Kingston or knoz
vile. and the latter, with its high eminenc
and the waters or the Holston in its rear, wa
chosen by orr leader, and, al VIC shall see, nj
plans were ably carried out.
WEARY MARCH
The weary hours Of thai stormy night passe
slowly away. but little progress being mad
On account of the rough and muddy roads an
the hills which the horses could not ascen
with the heavy guns and caissons without az
ditiOnal aid, mules were unhitcbed frcm III
ammunition train and brought into reGuisitio
until those barriers were passed. and then the
returned 10 bear their own burdens.
Our confidence was placed in the rear guars
They were keeping yigilant watch for the al
prDacl OF TIE enemy. VINO We knew were 10
lowing Us closely, bnt TIE night being 50 darl
seemed satisfied 10 allow as a little hcadHa
until dayligbs should bring as TO view.
The mueh-needed light came TO our assis
ance at last as We found ourselves near Il
village Of Carapbclls Station. about mile mort
Of the railroad, where two roads came TO
junction, leading to Knoxville, sixteen miI'
distant.
We found Longstreet trying hard to reac
this junction ahead Of MS by the road we can
and also on the one leading from Hough
Ferry. and so close was his army upon us
their eBdeayors 70 intercept us and cut us
from the only route 10 Knoxville, that Y
hardly passed the point before the enem
opened vigorous fire upon us chagrined
their disappointment. The first position take
10 receive their attack which came so su,
denly, was only temporary one and at Il
first opportunity General Burnside formed
new line OF defense some distance in the rea
behind a small crest which partially protect,
our men from the fire Of tie enemy.
cAMPBELLs STATION.
II is seldom a battle is seen in an open fel
but here We had an opportunity Of witnessii
and engaging Ia one, which presented inagni
cent spectacle in.the art OF warfare, as the moy
nents Of each army were distinctly seen wi
their banners flung TO the breeze as they fac
each ether on that bloody field. While the d
parity Of forces was great, our men seemed
ieel the great importance OF trying their utmc
10 hold our positions, knowing that if We X
our chances Of gaining Knoxville we cou
hope for nothing
All attempts Of The enemy 10 dislodge