I was still back at Clinton.

McPherson sent me word of the situation, and expressed the wish that I was up.

By half-past seven I was on the road and proceeded rapidly to the front, ordering all trains that were in front of troops off the road.

When I arrived Hovey's skirmishing amounted almost to a battle.
McClernand was in person on the middle road and had a shorter distance to march to reach the enemy's position than McPherson.

I sent him word by a staff officer to push forward and attack.