Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

Confederate general during the American Civil War who was defeated by Grant in the battle of Chattanooga (1817-1876)

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

a North American river; rises in southwestern Canada and flows southward across Washington to form the border between Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific; known for its salmon runs in the spring

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

possessive form of “commander” — an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

a supporter of the Confederate States of America

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

plural of “confederate” — a supporter of the Confederate States of America

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

place under suspicion or cast doubt upon

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

being ten more than thirty

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

involving risk or danger

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

having hills and crags

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

past form of “number” — add up in number or quantity

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

on one occasion

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

cause to run

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

a plane figure with the shape of half a circle

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

a strongly fortified defensive structure

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

confined on all sides

From this reading This town, situated on the rocky bank of Duck River and surrounded by mountainous passes, was an ideal stronghold.

closely encircling

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

soldiers collectively

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The troops numbered about forty thousand, of all sorts, according to the commander's own report, and a larger portion of them were sheltered behind hastily constructed intrenchments.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading AN ADVANCE ALL ALONG THE LINE General Bragg, the Confederate commander, had established his headquarters at Tullahoma, but his troops lay some twenty or thirty miles to the north of that town, in a grand semicircle extending from Wartrace on the east, through Shelbyville to Columbia on the west.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Once the Southern forces should retreat to it, to follow them would be extremely hazardous, for the Confederates could easily command the river and every defile, and pour in a hot fire without permitting the Union troops to get a shot in return.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Although Bragg occupied this advanced position, General Rosecrans was certain that should the Confederate be unable to hold Shelbyville and the surrounding territory, he would retreat to his stronger intrenchments at Tullahoma.