Union forces drove Confederate cavalry from East Tennessee, advancing Burnside's campaign to reduce Confederate influence in the region.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 10, 1863
- Location
- Greene County, Tennessee, near Bulls Gap
- Union Commander
- Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter
- Confederate Commander
- Brig. Gen. John S. Williams
- Infantry Attack Time
- 5:00 p.m. by Ferrero's 1st Division, IX Corps
- Outcome
- Confederate withdrawal to Virginia within days
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside sought to clear East Tennessee roads and passes toward Virginia and threaten Confederate saltworks near Abingdon. Confederate Brig. Gen. John S. Williams led a cavalry force into the area to disrupt Union communications and seize Bulls Gap on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad, prompting skirmishing beginning October 3.
On October 10, Union Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter advanced on Blue Springs in strength. After morning cavalry engagement, Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero's infantry division attacked at 5:00 p.m., broke the Confederate line, inflicted heavy casualties, and nearly reached the enemy's rear before being checked. Under cover of darkness, Williams's force withdrew.
Following the battle, Williams and his Confederate force retired to Virginia within days, removing the immediate threat to Union communications in East Tennessee. The engagement contributed to Burnside's broader East Tennessee campaign goal of reducing Confederate influence and securing the region for the Union.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, Brig. Gen. Samuel P. Carter, Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, Capt. Orlando M. Poe.
Side B
1 belligerent
Brig. Gen. John S. Williams.