The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-08-15

we relieved told US that flag of truce
had visited their post two hours before.
1t was arranged last night for our COM
pany to leave the picket line on a scout
| ing expedition at 3 O'Clock this morning,
| but the heavy rain prevented the move
| ment.
| During the day the weather cleared,
and in the afternoon, the regiment being
relieved, we all returned to camp.
Feb. 10, 1862-Gen. MitchePs Division,
from Bacon Greek, crossed Green River
at this point today, and encamped- on the
south bank. This movement has started
| the grapevine, which has been some time
quiet, and fits dispatches inform us that
we will advance, within three days, in the
direction of Bowling Green as far as the
enemy will permit, or we can compel.
Feb. II, 1S62-We found it very cold
this morning, with snow on the ground,
and consequently were excused from drill
hausted the discussion of yesterdays
movement, resolved itself into debating
club, and disposed of the question,
(Which has been most destructive. In
| Temperance or War" Strange to say, We
decided that war is the champion de-
stroyer, although we have seen so much
of the former and SO little of the latter
during five months service.
NEWS OF GRANTS VICTORY.
Feb. IL, 1S62-The news of the capture
of Fort Henry came today and caused
great rejoicing in camp, as disaster has
been more frequent than Gictory to our
arms.
The battle occurred six days ago, and
was conducted principally by the feet,
under Commodore Foote, which assembled
the Tennessee River, in conjunction with
the land forces of Gen. Grant and ran
straight up to the fort, compelling its
evacuation after a few hours lombard
ment. The garrison escaped capture by
hurrying across the narrow strip OF land
to Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland
River, where they arrived at midnight Of
the same day to relate TO their comrades
in Donelson the sad story of the loss of
the only defenses of the Tennessee River.
The fugitives were able also to prepare
their comrades to expect, within few
days, to see the gaping mouths OF those
great guns, whose thunder at Fort Henry
had reached their ears. 1t is known that
the gunboatS passed out Of the Tennes-
see TO cutter and ascend the Cumberland,
while Grants land forces were prepared
to follow the route 10 Donelson taken by
the retreating garrison Of Fort Henry.
Ere this, no doubt, Donelson has been in
vested, and the news Of another bonn
bardment will soon be speeding to us, If
not already on the way. II Donelson
falls, we may expect the gunbOats and
transports to ascend the Cumberland to
Nashville, placing Sidney JohEston's army
at Bowling Green in an embarrassing po-
sition, unless it retreats beyond the line
OF the Cumberland.
Feb. IL, 1S62-We had inspection of
arms and accoutrements today, prepare
tory TO an active campaign. There Is
every indication that serious work is ex-
pected. Our army has been growing
larger day by day, and SO has the en-
y'-. flp xarhn IN.
gether some OF us will get hurt. We are
determined to advance, and cannot afford
to retreat; neither can the Confederates
afford to relinquish much more of their
territory without a serious effort to re-
tain ii. Deserters report that the coun-
try extending 30 miles from Green River
to Bowling Green, on the Barren RiSer,
is destitute OF water, except surface
ponds, which the enemy expects to req
der unfit for use by filling them with the
carcasses of poisoned animals. We have
orders to march tomorrow morning.
GREEN RIVER TO NASHVILLE.
Feb. ii, 1S62-When we arose early
this morning to strike tents and pack
baggage we found the ground covered
with two inches of snow. A: ii a. In.
we Joined the line of march with our Sec
ond Division (McCook's), not toward the
enemy, as we confidently expected, but
north by the same road we came nearly
two months ago. We felt reluctant thus
to turn our backs to the enemy, and spec
ulation absorbed our thoughts as we
tramped back, mile after mile, until the
familiar banks Of Bacon Greek and the
railroad bridge we had guarded reminded
us of our old quarters at Camp Nevin.
We crossed the creek and eneamped for
the night at Uptonville. march Of Is
miles,
No sooner had our brigade halted and
broken ranks than q rush was made for
neighbsriag rail fences and straw-stacks
for materials to furnish fres and beds,