Towards noon the fog disappeared, and the sun having risen
high, made it more favorable for operations, since in the morning it
shone in our eyes and blinded us. About one o'clock, Hotchkiss' 2nd
Minnesota and Warren's 19th Indiana batteries moved into position in
front of our brigade on a high eminence, from whence they began to feel
for the position of the enemy, which was soon discovered strongly
fortified on the adjacent hills. Soon after this the Eighty-sixth was
ordered to advance over the hill on which these batteries were
stationed, and attack the enemy's position. When it reached the crest
of the hill, the rebels opened a furious fire upon it, but this did not
derange the line one particle, it marching on with as much good order
as if on battalion drill. The regiment advanced to the foot of a hill
or ridge only a few hundred yards from the enemy's line of works, where
it halted and lay down. Colonel McCook urged Magee to charge the works,
but he would not until he got support on his right, as it was
unprotected, and would have resulted in the utter ruin of the regiment.

The 85th, it is true, was on the right of the Eighty-sixth, but not in
supporting distance, having partially changed its direction and
ascended the acclivity on the right too high. At the same time our
brigade advanced on the right, General Morgan advanced on the left and
made a desperate charge on the enemy's position; but he was repulsed in
great disorder, the steep and rugged rocks affording a natural barrier
against his assaulting force. The charge on the left having failed of
success, the right was ordered to maintain its own, it being the
design, however, to push forward the right had Morgan succeeded in his
enterprise.

The Eighty-sixth remained in its position until night, when it was
relieved by other troops, and falling back to the rear, remained in
comparative quiet during the night.

On the morning of the 26th the Eighty-sixth was marched to a position
covering the right flank of our forces in the gap. It was anticipated
that a force of the enemy's cavalry would make a demonstration in that
direction. Here the regiment built good breastworks in readiness for
the expected attack; but no enemy came, though it remained until night,
when it was withdrawn, taking up the line of march for Ringgold. Soon
after this the whole force was put on the retreat, arriving in Ringgold
late at night.

Every Eighty-sixth man will remember the odd