d Salem at 2 P. M., two
overshot waterwheels and a tower. Came into camp within two miles of
Winchester at sundown. We are within our own lines. The Army of the
Cumberland has a force stationed here, among which is the 1st Wisconsin
Cavalry. Drew one day's rations of crackers.

Winchester, Thursday, Nov. 12. Lay in camp all day. 3rd Brigade came up
early. The weather very raw and blustering. Forage trains went out
seven miles and returned loaded with good corn. Wrote two letters but no
mail came in. To-morrow we are to start across the mountains. If half of
what is said of it be true, we will have hard times to cross it with our
teams. The cavalry say we will not be able to cross it in two days. 1st
Brigade of Stanley's Cavalry Division is here. Winchester is the county
seat of Franklin County and a good business town as large as
Fayetteville. Mr. Lester brought Nashville papers of to-day into camp,
the first we have seen since the 22nd of last month.

Camp on the mountains, Friday, Nov. 13. Broke camp at Winchester before
daylight and moved out in advance of the other brigades. Crossed the R.
R. south of Decherd and kept along the track southeast until we reached
Cowan Station, when we travelled toward the hills. Halted half an hour
to strip the chest of all knapsacks, the cannoneers being obliged to
carry everything after the style of infantry. At about half past twelve
o'clock we mounted and started up the mountain. The foot was covered
with white large stones smooth as ice. Both of my horses fell the first
pull, but soon gathered and we made the ascent in about two hours. The
road was very stony and most of the horses poorly shod, very steep in
places, but we made it without an accident or a balk, although four of
our teams had a span of mules in. The General and staff were very much
scared, it is said, and thought it not safe to ride up so they
dismounted, lamenting our fate, but our horses did it all right. The
road followed the summit which was perfectly level, rather sandy. Passed
two or three houses inhabited, but I know not how. Came into camp; old
camping ground, first rebel and then federal. Had but one load of corn
for to-night and to-morrow morning, so we had but eight ears to a horse.
Drew two little crackers in the morning which was all we had till the
wagons came up late at night, and we were a set of very hungry boys. Sow
belly and hard-tack went as good as the best of suppers at home. Camp
as mer