ober 29th, our battery was parked near Lenoir's Station, on the
edge of a fine grove of pine trees. Here we were informed that our
winter quarters would be. Our men at once entered upon the construction
of log cabins for the command, as well as stables for our animals. This
work went rapidly forward, as the pine woods furnished ready and ample
material. We also utilized a large barn built of weather beaten boards
which stood near our camp. The boards furnished floors for the cabins
and roofs for our stables. The roofs of the cabins were covered with
paulines. By the 13th of November, the camp was completed and we all
looked forward for a pleasant time during the approaching winter.

The scientists of the battery had captured a still on one of their
foraging expeditions, and in a week or so more the intention was to
furnish a liberal supply of pure whiskey at moderate prices. But "man
proposes and God disposes," and on the morning of the 14th, our short,
sweet dream of cosy winter quarters was broken. Soon after reveille,
before the men had fallen into line for roll call, there was the sound
of heavy artillery firing at Loudon. We proceeded with the regular camp
duties and at the usual time ate our breakfast. Soon we learned the
news. General Longstreet, of the Army of Northern Virginia, with his
famous corps which had done good service for the rebel arms at
Chickamauga, had been sent by General Bragg from Chattanooga to capture
Burnside and to clean out the Tennessee and Holston valleys from
Southern Tennessee to the southern boundary of Virginia. The veterans of
Longstreet had been told that some 15,000 raw troops were scattered from
Loudon to Knoxville, who would retreat in confusion at the first
appearance of General Longstreet.

It seems that it was not generally known that the Ninth Corps had
arrived in the valley. The rebels attempted to lay down a pontoon bridge
at Hough's Ferry, a short distance below Loudon. The troops sent to
oppose the crossing were from both the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps. The
enemy was not a little surprised at the successful resistance which our
troops made to his advance. He was held all day from advancing from the
river, and the opinion was that Longstreet would be defeated on the
morrow. General Grant had requested General Burnside to maintain himself
for a short time, until he, Grant, could fight the battle of Missionary
Ridge; then he would promptly send him assistance. General Burn