Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/474

462 the road, and 4 P. M. by the time the head of Patton Anderson's brigade, of the rear division, could reach the point at which the line of its corps crossed the road. This caused it to be half-past 4, or even later, before General Bragg's line to the left of the road was completed. As General Polk had to follow the movements of General Bragg's troops and form his line parallel to that portion of them placed to the left of the road, and as he actually got into position between 4 and 5, it is evident that neither at this nor at any other time during the entire march was the delay in question attributable to his movements. While Clark's division was being placed in line Cheatham's arrived from Purdy, having marched the entire distance since that morning. He was thus in position quite as soon as he would have been had he joined the command earlier.

In conclusion, permit me to offer an extract from General Polk's official report. After stating the measures taken to place his corps in position he goes on to say: