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Step 1
Search history websites to understand the significance of this battle. Burnside was able to accomplish his mission to reduce Confederate influence in eastern Tennessee.
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Step 2
Look for information about an overview of this battle. Burnside, commanding the Department of the Ohio, went into eastern Tennessee to clear a route to Virginia. Confederate Brigadier General John S. Williams' cavalry fought with Union Brigadier General Samuel P. Carter's cavalry division on Oct. 3 at Blue Springs, about nine miles from Bull's Gap. Carter was not sure of the size of the Union cavalry and withdrew, although skirmishes continued over the next week.
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Step 3
Examine how Carter approached Blue Springs with his entire force and Williams had received some reinforcements by Oct. 10. Some of the Union cavalry engaged the Confederates beginning at 10 a.m., while another unit attempted to cut off the Confederate's retreat. Union Captain Orlando M. Poe also scouted out the best location for an infantry attack.
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Step 4
Research how Brigadier General Edward Ferrero's 1st Division attacked at 5 p.m., and inflicted heavy casualties before his advance was halted. The Confederates withdrew after dark and the Union pursued them the following morning. Williams and his men arrived in Virginia a few days later. This battle had an estimated 100 Union and 216 Confederate casualties.
