orders
to move and that he was waiting for orders frown General Grant's
headquarters to move. I heard General Wallace request one of his
staff to watch the road to Crump's Landing for a messenger with
orders.

At half past 11 A.M. (it might have been fifteen minutes to 12)
a person rode up to General Wallace with orders to move. I was
standing by General Wallace at the time. _The Brigade commanded
by Colonel Thayer was in motion in just ten minutes after the
order was received_. I am particular about this, because Colonel
Sanbourn, of the Twenty-first Indiana Regiment, and other
officers of the Brigade, talked over the matter in the morning.
After the order was received we moved off rapidly.

After we had marched some distance, _and were getting nearer to
the sound of musketry continually_, we were met, I think, by
Major Rawlins, Assistant Adjutant General of General Grant, and
our direction changed. From my knowledge of the country, after
the battle of Monday, I am satisfied that, if we had not changed
our direction when we did, we would have gone in behind the left
of the rebel army. After the direction of the column was
changed, I was ordered by Colonel Thayer to go to the foot of
the column, for what purpose I cannot now recollect. I think it
was at the instance of General Wallace, to change direction on a
shorter route of Wood's brigade, and when going from the foot of
the column to the head, to report to my commanding officer,
Colonel Thayer. I remember noticing all _three_ of the
_Brigades_ in _close column, marching rapidly forward_. Just at
dusk we arrived at the valley of a small stream, where the mud
was very deep. We met an orderly, there, from the battle-field,
who said we could reach General Grant's forces by making great
haste, as Berdan's Sharp-shooters were holding the road by which
we were to enter. _The column was hurried forward as fast as it
was possible for it to move_. We arrived a little after dark, on
the right of General Grant's forces, but a few yards in front of
the enemy.

Not knowing for what particular purpose you wish this
communication, I have been precise in details as to time, etc.,
as it will be remembered by most of the officers of the Second
Brigade.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

J.A. STRICKLAND,
Colonel Co