Smith's command, and such other troops as he could spare.

The advance of this reinforcement reached Nashville on the 30th of November.
On the morning of the 15th December, General Thomas attacked Hood in position, and, in a battle lasting two days, defeated and drove him from the field in the utmost confusion, leaving in our hand most of his artillery and many thousand prisoners, including four general officers.
Before the battle of Nashville I grew very impatient over, as it appeared to me, the unnecessary delay.

This impatience was increased upon learning that the enemy had sent a force of cavalry across the Cumberland into Kentucky.

I feared Hood would cross his whole army and give us great trouble there.

After urging upon General Thomas the necessity of immediately assuming the offensive, I started West to superintend matters there in person.