The Union, which had bolstered its positions in East Tennessee earlier in the year, launched into one more battle in the state before ringing out the year 1863.

A Union brigadier general, Samuel D. Sturgis, got word on Dec. 28, 1863, that Confederate cavalry had been spotted near Dandridge, Tenn. He chose to go out and attack the force, opening up a battle at a place called Mossy Creek.

Initially, Confederate forces got the upper hand but then the Union troops turned the tables, forcing a brigade of Confederate cavalry to retreat.

The Union victory, though a minor one, further consolidated Federal gains in the state. Soon after, fighting forces on both sides would begin their retreat to winter camps, hunkering down to await warmer weather to resume combat in earnest.

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