ured, they returned to camp. The Rebels being alarmed at the
near approach of our forces had hastily beat a retreat, burning several of
their transportation wagons, to prevent their falling into Union hands.

October 21st. Just one year ago this day was fought the battle of Wild
Cat; and we were only six miles from the place. All was quiet in camp.

Another reconnoizance was made, commencing October 22d. Our Battery went
towards Manchester. The expedition was gone three days. Their object was
to destroy the salt works near Manchester, on which the Rebels depended
for a supply of that necessary article of consumption.

Having accomplished their purpose, and nothing further remaining to be
done, the expedition returned to camp on the morning of October 25th. On
the day previous, several citizens of London came into camp, and reported
a large body of Secesh cavalry in the town. It was thought that, owing to
the absence of the greater part of our force, the Rebels might take
advantage of it, and make an attack on our camp during the night.
Accordingly the men belonging to our Battery were all armed with muskets,
and given several rounds of amunition. We were notified to hold ourselves
in readiness to repel an attack. For the first time our artillerymen were
transformed into infantry. About one hundred refugees from East Tennessee
came into camp, and were also armed. The night, however, passed without
any alarm. Our troops arriving the next morning, we all again got in
motion, and proceeded back through Wild Cat. Arrived at the Rock Castle
river crossing, and camped for the night.

There was a very heavy snow storm during the night, and in the morning the
ground was covered to the depth of several inches; but, the weather being
mild, it rapidly disappeared. Got an early start, and pushed on through
the mud and slush. At noon arrived at Mount Vernon, and halted for an hour
in a large field, and cooked our dinner. At 2 o'clock we again moved
forward, and went towards Somerset. The weather was now growing colder,
and the snow had made the roads very heavy, so that our progress was but
slow. It was a cheerless and comfortless march. Little do those at home,
who tread only on hard, dry pavements, know where a soldier's feet hath
been. We toiled on through the mud for about six miles, and then camped
for the night. The snow was still quite deep, but we succeeded in getting
some hay, and, clearing the ground, spread our blankets o