Opening the text
The loyal mountaineers of Tennessee

David Hume · en
He was a Union man during the war, from the crown of his head to
the soles of his feet. Nothing else could have been expected of one
who was accustomed to espouse a cause with his whole soul, who had
always been an intense Whig in politics, and whose love of country
was both unalloyed and fervent. Hearing that the Commander-in-chief
of the United States army was drawing near Cumberland Gap, he went
forth to meet him, and falling down upon his knees in the highway,
he expressed aloud to the General, by words and gestures, his
thankfulness, love and joy. It was with some astonishment, mingled
with gratification, that Gen. Burnside witnessed this exhibition
of patriotic feeling, to which he made a kindly response. And
afterwards, whenever others told of the incident, his amused memory
would light up his face with a broad smile, which was instantly
restrained, as if by a feeling of respect for the honest enthusiasm
that had expressed itself so oddly at the Gap. He seemed to think
that the occurrence had its serious as well as its funny side.

Before leaving Cumberland Gap, he received the following dispatch:

                             HEADQUARTERS 21ST ARMY CORPS,
                                CHATTANOOGA, Sept. 10, 1863, 2 A. M.

  MAJ. GEN. A. E. BURNSIDE,
       Commanding Department of Ohio--Tennessee River:

  SIR--I am directed by the General commanding the Department of
  the Cumberland to inform you that I am in full possession of this
  place, having entered it yesterday at 12 M. without resistance.

  The enemy has retreated in the direction of Rome, Ga., the last
  of his force, cavalry, having left a few hours before my arrival.
  At daylight I made a rapid pursuit with my corps, and hope that
  he will be intercepted by the center and right, the latter of
  which was at Rome. The General commanding department requests
  that you will move down your cavalry and occupy the country
  recently covered by Col. Minty, who will report particulars to
  you, and who has been ordered to cross the river.

                                  (Signed)       T. L. CRITTENDEN,
                                           For Maj. Gen. Commanding.


This information relieved Gen. Burnside from all apprehension
concerning Gen. Rosecrans. It also fixed his determination to occupy
all the important points above Knoxville, and if possible, reach the
Salt Works near Abingdon, Va. Sufficient forces were left at Kingston
and Loudon. Col. Byrd, who was stationed at Kingston, was ordered to
occupy Athens, and if possible, Cleveland, thus communicating with
the cavalry of Gen. Rosecrans, as requested in the above dispatch,
and as directed in another soon afterwards received from Gen. Halleck
at Washington, as follows:

  Hold the gaps of the North Carolina mountains, the line of the
  Holston River, or some point (if there be one) to prevent access
  from Virginia; and connect with Gen. Rosecrans, at least with
  your cavalry.