The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-10-03

den marched toward Gallatin. A blind
ing, sitting dust annoyed us greatly, but
our march was q rapid one, so that by B
D. IN. we reached Franklin, a distance of
IS miles, crossed Harpeth River and con-
tlnued three miles beyond to a small
creek, where we halted at p. m, very
much fatigued with our march of p miles
AT sunrise Nov we were again under
way-the dust more sitting than ever. A
march of four miles brought us to the
State line of Kentucky and Tennessee,
marked by a cut-stone pillar. Another
notable object at this point is large oak
tree; where Andrew Jackson fought
duel and killed his man. A half mile
farther we passed through Mitcheilyllle,
a village Of 20 small houses and large
gTist mill. We marched ~ miles alto
gether. . .Io
rear. according to our turn, We did not
leave camp until S q. N. on Nov. q. Ihe
morning was clear and cold, and for
time we enjoyed the change, but by noon
The dust was nearly as bad as ever. we
passed through Goodlyvllle, having a dozen
houses and a neat hotel, near the Iyree
Springs. Three miles beyond we reached
the junction, where, turning to the right,
we proceeded mile and encamped-a
march of IL miles.
Nov. we started for Nashville, nine
miles distant, but did not cross the Gum,
hprIand River We halted i'll beautiful
grove near Edgefeld, and prepared to
make ourselves comfortable, in expecta-
ton of a few days rest. We pitched our
tents and retired for the night in a very
compIacent state of mind. Sleep came IN
hidden after our hard marches, but our
rest was of short duration. At III o clock
the ominous sound of the general as
semblyn by the bugles of our brigade sud
denly aroused us to the duty OF striking
tents and forming in line with arms,
ready for attack or defense. Under the
stimulus of expected danger, We executed
the order in very short space OF time,
and crossed the river into the city only
to be quartered in large brick building,
where we spread our blankets on the floor
and caught an hour of sleep before the
break of day.
As there was no enemy in sight, next
day we were allowed to look about the
city, and then we recrossed the river and
pitched our tents again on the same
grounds whence we had been so uncere-
moniously hustled, for what purpose we
knew not.
Nearly every man is writing, al
though we have no assurance that our
letters will have an early departure. No
mail has been received or taken for
month. We are hungry for news from
home, and anxious to let our friends know
where we have been wandering and how
we have Jared. Our transportation is
taxed to the utmost to carry food to the
army, and no attention is given to mail
bags The railroad is i'll running order
only from Louisville to Mitchellville,
whence all supplies are hauled by wagons.
The Cumberland River is too low for
steamboats,.
The work of repairing the damage to
the railroad inflicted by Bragg on his
northward march is being pushed day and
night. When it is completed we may ex-
pect a big batch of letters, provided we
are not launched out into the wilderness
again before the first train arrives. We
cannot travel far this time as Bragg's
army IS lying across our path.
ROSecranS has established headquarters
at Nashville, and has already reorganized
the army into Right Wing, Left Wing
and Center, under McCook, Crittenden
and Thomas.
Our regiment, brigade and division be-
long TO the Right Wing.
INSPECTED 81 GEN. RosECRANs.
Nov. II the ceremony of guard mount
ing in our brigade was conducted with
more than the usual eclat. / took part in
it as one of the detail. There were 40
men in line. A little later the Sixth Bri-
gade was drawn up in line near our
quarters for inspection by our new COM
mander, Gen. Rosecrans. Tic has been
engaged In this duty several days, and
will continue until every portion of his
army has been visited. Our regiment was
Respondent, so far as new dress coats
could cover the rents in pan.alocns and
shoes made by time and travel.
Cos. Il, @, III and * were ordered out
on picket duty at noon, Nov. ID. We
marched out three-quarters of mile,
when my company was divided into
squads, the first being posted on the river
bank. My position, with three comrades,
was in the midst of a large cOrnfeld,
where we could not see 10 PAGES in any
direction. We were instructed TO be very
watchful, as the enemy was disposed to
press too closely to the picket line, and
might take us by surprise. As for our
squad, we felt no uneasiness. The enemy
could never find us-at least could not
steal upon us without giving timely notice
10y the rustliDg of the corn. The sun
found us, however, and shone most I'M
comfortably hot during the day, but at
night the air grew uncomfOrtably chilly.
Fires were forbidden, so we had to shiver
and bear it. The enemy did not trouble
us.
At noon, Nov IA, the 32d Ind. relieved
us from picket duty, and we returned to
camp. The news that Gen. Mcclellan has
been removed from command and succeed
ed by ten. burnside causes universal dis
cussion in our ranks. At one time we
were all ardent admirers OF the Young
Napoleon" but his lack of success in Vir-
ginia has shaken the confidence of many,
and our verdict now is thai he is en-
tirely too cautious ever to make a bold at
tack upon Richmond.
ATTACKS on PICKETs.
Nov II it was reported that eight men
of the 18th Ill. We're captured while stray
Cling outside the picket line. The enemy
improves every opportunity TO pick up
stragglers, surprise or oyerpower detach-
ed posts or forage trains, or 10 harass our
line of communication in the rear. For
this purpose his cavalry hovers close to
our front and TANKS. thus compelling our
pickets TO be on watch continually.
Near our camp is the Lunatic Asylum,
splendid building, now containing $50
inmates. 1t is surrounded by wcll-culti-
waited grounds
At the break of day Nov 1s we were
awakened by the sound of cannOnading
IN the direction Of our picket line. 1t ap-
peared so close that we listened for a
moment to hear the whizzing of solid shot
or the bursting of shells. We tumbled
out of our tents in short order with guns
and cartridge boxes, expecting the imme-
diate order TO double-quick to the scene
of action. Our services were not required.
The enemy had only repeated one of the
customary attempts to surprise and cap
ture our picket by dismOunting and steal
Ing upon them at the usual hour just be-
fore dawn. Our picketS fell back in haste
to the reserve where EdCertDn's Rnttery