te
amused at the idea. It was plainly evident a little water would not hurt
S., as he was looking very much like a contraband. We passed the day
(Sunday the 14th) quite comfortably. At night, thinking it best to keep
with the regiment, we took quarters in the garret of a house, with the
rest of our company. We were ordered to lie upon our arms, keep quiet,
and be ready for action at a moment's warning. Towards morning our
pickets had a skirmish with the enemy. We were aroused, but the firing,
which was quite rapid for awhile, ceased, and we turned in again. In the
morning we arose, and were privileged in having another day of rest.
This night, as soon as it became dark, the evacuation of the city
commenced. This fact we were all of us ignorant of at the time, and
from the disposition of the regiment, supposed we had more fighting to
do. At dusk we were formed in line, and as soon as it became dark moved
down the city, taking the same street we did on the morning of the
battle. We ascended the same steep hill, and proceeded quietly to the
front. This made some of us catch our breath, as we thought of what we
had already passed through while on the same road. Just inside our
pickets, and under cover of a slight eminence, we laid ourselves down. A
detail of men was made from the regiment, for picks and shovels, and
upon the arrival of these, the whole front rank were called upon, and
proceeding to the top of the eminence, commenced throwing up an
entrenchment. This, we afterwards learned, was to deceive the enemy,
making them think we intended holding the position. About twelve o'clock
the front ranks were called in, and forming in line, we quickly and as
noiselessly as possible hurried into the city again. It was evident
enough to us as soon as we entered the city that it was being evacuated.
When we left, a few hours before, the streets were full of soldiers,
regiment after regiment, and battery after battery; now hardly a man
was to be seen as we passed through the streets. The hurried tramp of
men and horses in the direction of the pontoon bridges told us our
destination. We hurried along, and at one o'clock the morning of the
16th recrossed the bridge, passed up the hill, and proceeded to our
camp, where we left our luggage the morning of the 12th. Our major, whom
I had not seen since the fight, suddenly appeared upon our arrival in
camp, and taking charge of the regiment, placed them in position, giving
off orders in