The Federal withdrawal under pressure was well executed .
On November 17 , the bulk of Burnside 's army was within the defensive perimeter of Knoxville , and the so - called Siege of Knoxville began .
The Federal withdrawal under pressure was well executed , and on November 17 , the bulk of Burnside 's army was within the defensive perimeter of Knoxville , and the so - called Siege of Knoxville began .