On September 18, 1863, Brigadier General Bushrod R. Johnson's division had arrived in Ringgold from Mississippi, Lieutenant General Longstreet's men were beginning to arrive from Virginia, and Johnson set out toward Leet's with three of his brigades, one of Longstreet's, and General Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry before being ordered back to Ringgold and then toward Reed's Bridge by way of Peeler's Mill. At Reed's Bridge, Colonel Robert H.G. Minty's Federal cavalry brigade sent scouts toward Leet's and Ringgold, learned that large Confederate forces were advancing from both directions, and moved forward with the 4th Michigan, about one-third of the 4th United States Regiment, and two artillery guns to slow the Confederates while reporting to General Crittenden at Crawfish Springs. The Federals fired on the Confederate column at the intersection of the Three-Notch-Road as it advanced through the gap at Ellis' Springs, then, fearing attack from the north after dust was seen on the Graysville Road, fell back to Reed's Bridge and requested reinforcements from Colonel Wilder. Johnson's column stopped at Peeler's Mill near the Three Notch Road, where local citizens reported that the Federals had again advanced west of Peavine Creek, and Johnson formed three brigades in line of battle, sent forward pickets, ordered Forrest's cavalry to develop the Federal position, and received Major Robertson from LaFayette with eight pieces of artillery. Confederate skirmishers crossed the creek and advanced toward the Federal line behind a cornfield east of Pine Grove Road, Robertson opened fire with six cannon, the Federals withdrew to the top of the hill, and after the Confederate infantry struggled across the creek, reformed, and moved through the cornfield against minor resistance, the Federals retreated to Reed's Bridge. One Confederate commander reported that the chief difficulty from Peeler's Mill to Reed's Bridge was marching in line of battle over rough, uneven roads and through briar thickets, with some men barefooted.

Photo: Lee Hattabaugh

Photo: Lee Hattabaugh

Photo: Lee Hattabaugh

Photo: Lee Hattabaugh

Photo: Lee Hattabaugh