two o'clock
The cavalry were stationed at both Reed 's and the Alexandria Bridges , and beyond them , and in the afternoon of the day before the great battle , Colonel Lyon received hurried orders to proceed across Reed 's Bridge in the direction of Pea Vine Creek , three miles eastward , to support some of Minty 's cavalry who had encountered the Confederate forces under General Johnson . The colonel lost no time in obeying this command , and in less than three minutes after it was delivered the Riverlawns were galloping along the uneven pike , every company with full ranks and every man ready to do his duty . Johnson had left Ringgold early in the morning , his instructions being to cross the Chickamauga at Reed 's Bridge , and then to sweep onward toward Lee and Gordon 's Mill . The way was hard , the roads covered with dust , and by two o'clock it was reported to him that the Union cavalry under Minty was in front , at Pea Vine Creek , ready to dispute his passage to the Chickamauga . His column consisted of four divisions of infantry , a portion of Forrest 's cavalry , several batteries and eight pieces of reserve artillery . `` If Minty 's cavalry is in front , so much the worse for Minty , '' were the Confederate 's words . `` Forward , and let every man do his best for the gallant stars and bars ! ''