e mention that we were now in what was called the Fourth
Division of General Crittenden's Corps. Our Brigade is known as the
Twenty-second, General Cruft commanding. Lieutenant Baldwin, at this time,
was temporarily commanding the Battery.

On the 10th, we moved our camp about one-fourth of a mile to a drier piece
of ground. Captain Standart also moved his quarters back to the Battery,
but still retained his position as Chief of Artillery.

We remained in camp near Nashville just one month, during which time we
had several alarms, but none of them of any consequence. Also made several
reconnoisances on different roads.

We here received a supply of new clothing, harness, and other equipments;
and, on the morning of December 24th, were ordered to have five days'
rations in haversacks, ready to march--but for some cause did not move.

Christmas went by in quiet, but it was only a lull in the war-storm which
was soon to break upon us with a fury hard to withstand.

On the morning of the 26th we were ordered to move. All camp equipage and
baggage, as well as those who were not fit for active duty, were to be
moved into Nashville.

The storm was about to burst.

CHAPTER XI.

SKIRMISHING PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.

At an early hour on the morning of Friday, December 26th, the shrill call
of the bugle ringing out on the frosty air, announced that we were about
to move.

Soon great activity prevailed in camp, and all were in high spirits at the
prospect of an advance; and it was evident to each and every one of us,
that unless the rebels should retreat from Murfreesboro, a battle must
soon occur.

Nothing so arouses a soldier's spirit as the prospect of a battle--though,
in the same anxiously looked for battle, his life may be sacrificed. For
human life, at best, but hangs on a thread which even a little blow may
snap asunder. But if man dies thus, his life is nobly given on the altar
of his country, and that is worth the life of any man.

"_Who_ dies in vain
Upon his country's war-fields, and within
The shadow of her altars?"

War follows rebellion, and death follows war. Some must die--both the just
and the unjust; but in the end, right will _ever_ conquer. And now to our
movements.

The morning was cloudy, and in a short time it began to rain.
Nevertheless, all were soon ready to move. After waiting for more than an
hour, the command was finally given to "forward march."