Lenoir, Tenn. I said yesterday that I was puzzled. I am
more than ever today. I am confounded, disappointed, chagrined.
Our forces evacuated
Loudon early this morning. The Rebels took immediate possession. Everything of
value that could not be removed was destroyed. Only last night a locomotive was
run across the river to be used on that side as we advanced. Four cars had been
left there by the Rebels when they evacuated. As we had no time to remove them,
the engineer put on steam and ran them off the embankment into the river. The
Union people left with us. We have fallen back six miles and encamped for the
night. A strong force is posted on the heights to prevent surprise.
I am simply stating
facts as they occur. Of course, I cannot know the whys and wherefores of these
movements. Perhaps they are part of the "original plan," and not a
retreat. We all have confidence in Burnside, but, if we do not see Knoxville
between now and Sunday I am much mistaken. To my heated imagination the
Cumberland Mountains loom up with wonderful distinctness.
SOURCE: David
Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer,
1862-1865, p. 113
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