he history of the Eighty-sixth
Regiment--the death of Colonel Irons. After a severe illness he
departed this life on the 11th day of August, leaving behind him a band
of faithful friends to mourn his loss. Colonel Irons had the
qualifications of a good man--a brave and faithful heart. On the day
after his death the brigade escorted his last remains to the depot,
where they were put on the cars and taken to Peoria for burial.

Soon after the death of Colonel Irons, Chaplain G. W. Brown offered his
resignation, which was accepted on the 13th of October succeeding.
Chaplain Brown gave his whole heart to the fulfillment of the duties
incumbent on his office, by attending the sick and suffering of his
regiment with a spirit and energy scarcely ever surpassed. He was
indefatigable in his efforts to promote the happiness and welfare of
his boys, and could always give inquiring friends from abroad the exact
place and condition of the sick and suffering of the regiment.

CHAPTER II.

MARCH TO CHATTANOOGA--BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.

On the 20th of August, 1863, Colonel Dan. McCook's brigade, belonging
to Steedman's division of Granger's reserves, marched from Nashville in
a southerly direction. The design of this move was to repair the
Nashville and Decatur railroad. On its route the brigade stopped a
short time at Brentwood, where it had been encamped some two months
previous. Summer had made a vast change in this place. Fruits were
ripe, and we partook freely, on the score of old acquaintance.

From Brentwood the brigade continued the march to Franklin, where it
also remained a short time in order to complete the necessary
arrangements to repair the railroad. Franklin is an old fashioned
Southern town, and a place of much historic interest on account of the
tragic scenes that have transpired there. Various battles have been
fought there, and two notorious spies were hung. One regiment of the
brigade was left at that place, and the rest strung along the road
further down. The Eighty-sixth was stationed at West Harpeth, where it
began getting out timber with which to repair a bridge. Details were at
work every day chopping and hewing, but it was not long till it
received orders to discontinue the work and prepare for a march. West
Harpeth is situated some eight miles south from Franklin in a fine
portion of the country. The regiment was there in the fruit season of
the year, enjoying soldier life in the first degree, fo