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

so, and when half the day had flown, we
learned the orders were countermanded.
At 2 p. N. we started back, rot in the
best Of humor, with what we considered
FOOLS errand. Reaching Bacon Greek
at sunset, we stopped for the night and
rolled ourselves in our blankets in the
open air, too dispirited TO discuss con-
dition of affairs we did not understand.
Feb. 16, 1S62-Long before daybreak
we were called up and at 4 a. m. resumed
our march, crossing Green River, and
encamping two miles beyond. The rain
tegan TO fall heavily, so we pitched our
tents for protection during the night We
found that during our absence from Green
River there had been a forward move
nent of the troops we left behind toward
Bowling Green, and that we are to fol-
low in the same direction. We are now
reconciled TO our situation, since an active
campaign is evidently before US.
Feb. II, 1S62-The rain was still fall
ing this morning, but we had to turn out
in it to pull down our tents and pack up
in time to start at Z a. N. We paid little
heed to the weather at first, since a new
country was before us to be reclaimed
from Secession; but rain and mud damp
ened our ardor considerably during ;he
march of IS miles, which brought us to
Bells Tavern thoroughly fatigued and
very muuGy. The Confederates had put
themselves to great deal OF trouble to
impede our march. They hal burned
every depot building and bridge. cut down
every telegraph pole, torn up the track,
burning the ties to heat the rails Tor wa""-
ing, doubling and twisting out of shape,
felled trees across the turnpike, and filled
all the ponds with dead animals. So hard
pressed were they for carcasses that they
even shot some OF their poorest horses.
Cattle belonging to people not sound on
fret fa tna
woman saw her five mich cows driven
into the ponds and shot. These ponds, in
dry weather, furnish the only supply Of
water. No springs or wells exist, as the
country is drained by subterraneous pas
sages and caves, Mammoth Cave being
the most noted.
Feb. 10, 1SG2-Learning last night that
we should remain in camp at Hell's Tav-
ern few days, and that Mammoth Cave
is but nine miles distant, a number of US
determined to visit it, if possible, but re-
port says it is in possession of Confed
crate scouts, and therefore n dangerous
resort for Yankee visitors. Being de-
tailed on picket duty today, three of our
number obtained permission to do a little
scouting in that direction. We followed
the road cautiously two miles beyond our
post, but saw no living creature of human
habitation, the road being skirted with
heavy timber. The surroundings being
too favorable for getting ambushed, dis
cretion got the better of our valor, and
we returned to our post, hoping for a
more favorable opportunity a day or two
later.
The weather was very pleasant, our
baggage wagons arrived, and we again
enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in tents.
Feb. 49, 1S62-Fair weather changed
last night to rain, which fell steadily all
day. Being relieved from guard duty at
a II h
wet, muddy, shivering and Disguised, only
to find my quarters little better than ex-
posure, as my comrades had neglected to
dig ditch around the tent, which COW
cred a slight depression In the ground
that soon became Il mudhole.
Feb. 20, 1S62-We passed cheerless
night, without dry spot where we might
our fire outside, and the air grew rapidly
cooler, penetrating our damp clothing. 1t
was wicked pleasure for me to upbraid
my wretched messmates about their neg
lect. We also found occasion to upbraid
ourselves for the folly of leaving comfort
able homes six months ago to enjoy the
fancied excitement of camp life. The mis-
cradle hours finally dragged their weary
lengths, and this morning found the rain
gone. We kindled fire with great diff
hculty, for dry wood was scarce, aud sue
ceeded In drying our clothing in time to
join the brigade IN the work OF repairing
the railroad, by cutting new ties and
the rails. Our further pro-
gress is delayed until the road has been
put in order, so that we may not suffer
from short ratiors during our march. The
rain of tha last three days has proved a
blessing to us in one respect, at least, as
we found abundance of water in the gray
eled bitches alongside tho railroad, so that
It was not necessary for US to patronize
the PONDS prepared for US by the enemy.
MAMMOTH CAVE
Fob. q, 1S82-An opportunity to visit
Mammoth Cave came today, and q par'