, 1862-06-23

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BELLE PoRr, Ala, juno 49, 1862,
The Sth brigade, which includes the 18th
and 9th Illinois volunteers, the 18th Ohio
and 57th Indiana volunteers, Col. Turchin
commanding, received marching orders and
left Fayetteville, Tenn, on Monday morning,
June I'd. Ten days. rations foretold long
march; every one was wise about our desti-
nation. Gen. Negley having arrived from
Columbus the day previous, with part of his
division, it was plain that something more
than ordinary was up. Two full companies
from each regiment having been left to guard
camp eQnipage, rations, &c, the remaining
eight companies Of each regiment Of the bri-
gade were consolidated into SIX full compan-
les fer more effective use for the occasion. Our
march during the two days was through an
old settled country, passing through Salem
the first day, and Winchester the second day,
camping at the base Of the Cumberland noun
tain the second big ght.
The scenery here next morning was charm
ing as each hour we aseended the mountains
through dense forrest, winding around the
mountain, giving eyer-changing views, which
to an 11linoisan was duly appreciated. A1riy-
ing at the top Of the mountains, q level, or
nearly go, Of some eight or ten miles was
passed with now and then o hardy mountain-
Ger settlement. Although thus shut out from
the world, all seemed happy. When upon the
top Of the mountain q most severe storm
poured down upon Us, seeming that the clouds
around we're showing US their capacity aud
power, amid which Gen. Negley's advanced
guard, the 9Th Kentucky cavalry, surprised =
u asquadron Of rebel cavalry, charging them
acme twelve miles, killing two and woundIng
probably fatally, two Others, besides taking
many prisoners. Passing the mountain We
camped at the eastern base Nature seemed
to repay doubly for the stormy day previous
forus to march down the valley through Bat
fle Creek. Before We had marched mile the
citizens greeted US with "God bless you, I
have prayed long for you, our dag Of SALIVA
tlon has Gomez" some crying for joy. This
day we passed through Jasper, mountain
town cf 1000 inhabitants; arrived at the foot
OF another range of mountains, We camped
for the night Next morning the 10Th had Of
ders to take two days fations in hayersacks.
and take the!.adyance into Chattanooga, under
command of Lieut.. Col Scott. ECO cavalry.
9th Ktntucly, .14th Ohio, Col the 18th
Pennsylyania volunteers, Col Hanabrisht,
and and Do PeDnsylyanla cavalry to take the ad-
Negley with Col Turchin with three repi-
ments OF his brigade aud two batteries TO
proct ed by the main or central route to unite
at Chattanooga.
The route the 10th was ordered to take
Place nearest the river, consequently the most
abrupt and rugged, nearly one-half Of the way
only bride path, no artillery or wagons
could be taken that way. The most rnSsed
scenery IMAGINABLE Was before us, With occa-
slonal1y the Tennessee River in the distance to
complete the picture. Our cavalry dashed upon
Inc enemys pickeis Just the top of the
mountain, and chase of six miles down the
mountain resulted in one Of their pickets fall
ing from his horse and being taken prisoner.
We captured several horses, eight mules and
several wagons, out after forage for the rebel
army. At G., Col Scott promptly arrived with
his command, opposite chattanooga, having ar
rtYed With hls command some ten hours pre-
V!ous TO either Of the other columns, recon
noitered nnnotfced By the enemy, ascertaining
beyond doubt TINT their batteries comm md
ed our approach to the river from apy dircc-
ton, and ordered us into camp about and q
halt mile from the river, adjoining groye1
as no oth1r forces arrived. our position Vas
soyfhlng bnt safe until morning. Fr:-
day morning daWned, and at Ga u. Gen.
sral Negley arrived with tis escort, and The
9TH Kentucky cavalry, Co. Woltord, an hour
later. Co. Hambright's 18th Pennsylyania
regiment arrived at Il a, m. General Negley
called upon Col; Scott for two companies to
report to Col Hambright, to act as skirm1sh-
ers with bis regiment, during reconnaissance
IN force: Col. Scott ordered to. a, Capt, Hay,
den, and Co. G, Capt. Bridges, to report at
~ P. m. for. that purpose. Capt Hsy1.sl
being excused BY Col Scott, on account Of in-
d'sp9st1on, Capt +. n. Guthrie took. com-
nies above named Of the 18th Illino1s.
and the 18th Pennsylvania, with splen.
did Ohio batt.rE, and CQloneI