face. About the time we began to realize
the benefit of our labors at this place, the brigade was ordered to
march, having been there eight days. On Tuesday morning, the 23rd, the
brigade received orders to march in one hour's time, it being reported
that the lines would not advance further than Grayville, and there go
into camp.

In consequence of this understanding, almost every soldier carried a
huge load of camp plunder; but they were sadly mistaken, since the
column marched rapidly on Ringgold, a distance of sixteen miles, where
the other two brigades of the division had previously arrived. Most of
the command became so much fatigued under their burden that they were
obliged to fall out and come up at their leisure.

On the next day the division continued the march from Ringgold through
Tunnel Hill on to Buzzard's Roost, a narrow defile in the Rocky Face
Ridge, where it found the enemy in force and very defiant. On reaching
the position of the enemy at this place, our brigade was drawn up in
line of battle, advancing into position so as to cover the pass, during
which time a heavy cannonade was opened on our lines, and continued
until dark. General Morgan's brigade having taken up position on our
left, pickets were now sent out, and comparative silence prevailed
during the night.

Companies E and H were detailed from the Eighty-sixth for picket duty
on this occasion, company A being sent on the skirmish line the next
day at 12 M.

On the morning of the 25th the pass was enveloped in a dense fog, so
much so that objects could not be distinguished at any great distance,
it being impossible to discover a vestige of the enemy's lines until
about ten A.M., when the fog had partially disappeared. About this
time, however, skirmishing began along the line, resulting in a few
serious casualties on our part.

The main reason for delaying operations so long was in not knowing the
exact situation of General Cruft, who had been sent round the left of
Rocky Face Ridge in order to flank the enemy's position at Buzzard's
Roost Gap. Cannon could be heard in that direction booming furiously,
but nothing definite could be determined by that.

It soon became evident, however, that he was advancing rapidly on their
flank and rear, since the roar of the cannon and rattle of musketry
became more and more distinct; but no news came respecting his progress
until about ten A.M., when an orderly arrived with the desired
information.