BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 1863.
This morning the enemy advanced in small force on Gen. Sturgis' pickets,
but nothing serious since then; but few shots have been fired, and
those at longrange.
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JNO. G. PARKE, Maj.-Gen.
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BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 1863—4 p. m.
The enemy has not made any serious demonstration onthe Rutledge road up
to this time; since noon they have been pressing the brigade. Spears
stationed at Stone's Mill, Richland Church, about 2 miles on our right,
where the river road crosses Richland Creek. They may be massing on the
river road, but Gen. Granger thinks it would be risky for them to
attempt this move. Still, if this be so, we may be forced to fall back
on the line of Flat Creek. Gen. Sturgis will send a division of cavalry
to occupy the line of Richland Creek. I regret that Elliott has been
able to cross but one brigade. He is now at Strawberry Plains, and will
get over as soon as he can. I am glad to hear you are coming up.
JNO. G. PARKE, Maj.-Gen.
BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 1863—11.30 p. m.
Yours of 8.25 just received. By the river road, I mean a road parallel
to the Rutledge road, and the north side of Holston—one of the many
roads not indicated on our map. The point where this road
crosses Richland Creek (Stone's Mill) is still held by Spears' brigade. I
have reason to believe that there was no infantry appeared against him
this evening. The last report from there was all quiet. In fact, the
enemy's advance had retired and were followed by our skirmishers. How
far they pursued I cannot say. No report yet made. I presume not far. My
impression about Longstreet massing on the river road was not confirmed
by the observations from our signal mountain. No large camp fires were
visible, nor large smokes seen in our front on either road a sundown. In
fact, I am now inclined to believe that there is nothing but cavalry in
our immediate front. Shall I send an ambulance to Strawberry Plains for
you? There is a very good one here that Col. Babcock, of the Ninth
Corps, has suggested to send.
JNO. G. PARKE, Maj.-Gen.
