one exception, and that is
personal. It was the case of Major O. Fountain, who conducted himself
in a disrespectful manner by becoming intoxicated. On this account he
was soon afterwards recommended for a discharge, which was duly
furnished him. Major Fountain had many qualifications of a good
soldier, and previous to this, had conducted himself in a proper
manner.

After the battle, our brigade remained in Chattanooga three days,
during which time it was formed in line and held as a reserve. The
enemy was hourly expected to pounce upon our forces and attempt to
regain the place, for unless they did, no real advantages were gained
by their successes at Chickamauga. Our troops were not disheartened or
hopeless, but eager and determined to conquer in a second engagement.
The enemy, however, was severely punished, otherwise he would have
followed up his successes.

CHAPTER III.

MISSION RIDGE AND KNOXVILLE.

On the 24th of September, four days after the battle of Chickamauga,
our regiment and brigade was ordered to the north side of the Tennessee
river, to guard a ford near the mouth of North Chickamauga creek, some
eight miles up the river from Chattanooga.

On its way to this ford, the brigade remained a few days near another
ford about equidistant from the upper one and Chattanooga, where it
threw up works, and leaving the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois
to guard them, went on to the upper ford, arriving there on the 27th,
and taking up permanent quarters. This place was considered a prominent
one in a military view, and was accordingly strongly protected. The
boys now set to work building shanties for their comfort, as it was
probable the command would make its winter-quarters there. They would
fell trees, chop off large cuts and split them into slabs. Out of these
rough slabs snug shanties were made, and to put on the finishing touch,
fire-places were built in them. When cold, keen winds blew fierce
without, the soldier sat comfortable within, and soon our North
Chickamauga camp became a semi-paradise--a home in the woods. It was
here the brigade suffered so much from hunger; famine was our ghost, it
haunted us by day and by night.

The troops were not supplied with half rations, for the transportation
of the army was insufficient. It was impossible to procure adequate
supplies for a large army by hauling them sixty miles over the horrible
roads across the Cumberland and Walden ridges--roads in