The National tribune., 1901-10-17

very inspirting TO the Unionists, but very
dispiriting to Confederate sympathizers.
March I've did not move from
camp, but learned that Rosecrans had Or
dered general reconnaissance to discover
the position and strength of the enemy.
He was found three miles south of Frank
lin, and an engagement followed between
force of 5000 men on our side and 4
much larger force of the enemy, resulting
in the defeat and capture of large part
of our trGops-at least three regiments.
Another detachment of our army dis
patched at the same time for Triune was
more successful, but nothing was accom-
plished, beyond developing the fact that
the enemy was close at hand and prepared
to dispute our further progress.
March 7.-Our brigade was notified To-
day to hold itself in readiness to move at
moment. We are required to have three
days rations on hand at all times. Rose
Grams is pushing detachments forward at
various points to feel the enemy's force
and positions. These movements provoke
considerable skirmishing, and may at any
time develop a general engagement. In
such a contingency our brigade will be
found ready for action.
March 9.-We were greatly surprised
this morning TO receive the abrupt order:
Strike tents and load baggage imme-
NidAtlgs nt OINtt Ndo plOIiDlis ODcsth
and with everything in readiness to move
at moments notice, we anxiously await
ed further orders. These came at 3 p. m,
to pitch tents and remain where we are,
and we at once began to rebuild the vii
lage we had demolished, as many had sup
plemented their tents with lumber and
rails and chimneys. All the men worked
like beavers to restore their huts, and by
sunset all was in order again-very for
ftrp fc FOL in ba
night.
april 3.-Two eight-inch Howitzers have
been mounted on the works constructed by
this brigade. Heavy guns are also being
placed in position at other sections of the
works. One would suppose that our forti-
fcations are already sufficiently strong to
resist the entire Confederate army, but
the work is still being pushed with great
energy. Meanwhile the two opposing
armies are watchful, but not aggressive
Morgan and Forrest, with their squadrOns
of cavalry, are continually trying to in
terrupt our communications, but with
very poor success and frequently get pun
ished. Morgan on Wednesday was driven
back with loss of several hundred men
ut Snow Hill, where he had yentured too
close 10 our lines.
april 12.-All the Sibley tents in this
brigade except those required by the Off
GERS were turned over to the Quarter
master to be shipped to Nashville. Being
thus turned unceremoniously out of doors,
every man began at once to provide new
habitations. and before the setting of the
sun each man had his 'pup-tent' in place
ready to be 'crawIed into
April PA reconnaissance was made
| today by detachment of 1000 infantry
under Gen. Reynolds and 2.600 cavalry un~
der Gen. Wilder. The First and Third
Brigades of our Division were included
They destroyed almost the entire railroad
from Manchester to McMinnville, n cotton
mill, two other mills at McMinnYille, n
small mill at Liberty, captured a large
amount Of supplies, $50 prisoners, over GOO
| animals, and returned with loss of only
one man wounded.
April 2S.-SuIrounded as we are with
| 'panOply of war; where every effort is be-
| ing made TO promote the efficiency of de-
| structiye weapons, it is refreshing to see
near our camp a number of soldiers en-
gagged in preparing the ground and plant
| ing potatoes for use of convalescents en-
camped here. All of them who are able
will be obliged to work in the potato patch
April 29.-All tents of field and staff
officers, except four wall tents, were
turned over today for shipment to Nash
VILE The Adjutant's and Quartermaster's
| offices were consolidated in one wall tent
This proceeding looks more like an early
advance than does the planting of pota-
toes, and more in keeping with our ideas
of putting down the rebellion.
NEWS FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
May 6.-We are again cast down with
disappointment to learn that Hooker has re-