The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1900-12-13

WE FIND BUT FEW IN SHELBYVILLF
the "Cedars." In it the tall cedars grew
thickly, and it would be difficult to pene-
| trate. Roads had been cut through, and
| it was picturesque scene as we passed
through its dark shades. We came to the
end of the cedars at last and passed over
| extremely rocky roads and Travelled until
| dark through a rocky country, the teams
especially having hard time to get along.
We bivOuacked at night at n crossroads
in line of battle, sent out pickets and built
rail fires. Our position was in a lately
plowed cornfeld, and we leveled the fur
rows and spread our blankets on the soft
ground. Using my saddle for a pillow,
studied the skies until asleep.
In the morning we were ordered to take
three days ratiOns in our haversacks and
divest ourselves of all baggage that could
| not be carried. At s O'Clock it commenced
to rain, and we were left standing in the
field to take it. We remained waiting
for other troops to get out of the way
and at / o'clock moved south. leaving
Murfreesboro to our rear. We went slow
ly, on account of bad roads, which grew
worse because of the incessant rain.
Ahead was Gen. Brannan's Division, and
toward evening there was rapid cannon
firing from the front. Meantime the rain
poured steadily down, and everyone was
soaking wet, and the men plodded along
ankle deep in mud and water. The cavalry
Travelled off on each flank, going through
the corn and wheat fields, letting down
the fences when necessary. At dark we
came to an open space, where troops were
standing in line of battle; ahead a few
miles the artillery was firing and L is
said were driving the rebs.
At o'clock the force ahead moved on
and we resumed our tramp, the rain com
ing down with increased violence The
road was impossible, and we went
through the wheat, corn and cotton fields
| in the darkness. We were on the 20 until
1 O'Clock IN the morning, when we came
to Stone River. The water was o foot
deep at the ford, and the men waded it
through, and it was relief to wash off
the mud that covered all. When across
we bivOuacked in line of battle, and we
huddled under gum blankets, and / was
soon asleep. regardless of the pouring
rain; one feels better if wet all over, and
thus we were.
AT o'clock next morning we were I'M
der way, breasting the rain, and Mt noon
we struck Shelbyville pike-and are
here yet-all of Granger's Corps-and
many other troops, and it looks as though
there were enough of US to whip the
whole Confederacy. 1t is still raining.
We are sleeping on fence rails and living
on crackers and bacon.
CAPTURE OF sHELBYv1ILE.
Guys Gap, II miles south of Murfrees.
borO, on the Shelbyville Pike. Sunday
June p, 1SG3.-We left our last stopping
place yesterday afternoon for this loca-
ton on the pike. The pike Is a beautiful
one, level and straight lined with cedar
trees on each side. We marched fast
showers coming on every few hours. Al
ono place we came to an elevation in the
road, and one could look ahead for miles
and the sight was one continuous line OF
blue, moving troops. Through glass one
could see this place, called GUYS Gan,
an opening in the range of hills. where
the pike goes through to ShelbyyiIIe
About a o'clock we came TO the gap and
went into camp; the forces ahead went
on, and cannonading was heard constant.
/ ~. To-day, Sunday, l suppose you nj
home are enjoying pleasant Sabbath
day. 1t is raining hard here, and we take
it with all the discomforts MANY rebel
prisoners are being brought In who were
taken by our cavalry. They are genuine
specimens of the Southern Confederacy--
stout, hearty men, but very poorly dressed
| Our cavalry captured ShelbyVile yester-
day, and many prisoners. They dashed
| into town and cut the rebs right and loft
running them TO the river and II IL said
many were drowned in their efforts Ia
cross. / talked with some of these nris,
oners today. They were a good SET of
Southern men, from Alabama, Georgia
and Louisiana regiments. They exDresseI
no bitter feelings toward Us. They are
brave men to fight, and were very hope
ful and plucky for their cause.