I found General W.F.Smith occupying the position of chief engineer of the Army of the Cumberland.

I had known Smith as a cadet at West Point, but had no recollection of having met him after my graduation, in 1843, up to this time.

He explained the situation of the two armies and the topography of the country so plainly that I could see it without an inspection.

I found that he had established a saw-mill on the banks of the river, by utilizing an old engine found in the neighborhood; and, by rafting logs from the north side of the river above, had got out the lumber and completed pontoons and roadway plank for a second bridge, one flying bridge being there already.

He was also rapidly getting out the materials and constructing the boats for a third bridge.