of the
head, was exchanged. Two days later, however, plainly showed what this
movement meant. All along the road flashed the camp-fires of the Union
army. The night was cold and cheerless, and around the fires groups of
weary, worn-out soldiers were gathered. Many a draft was made on some
Confederate's rail fence, for fuel to keep the fires going. Onward we
slowly moved, sometimes through cornfields and woods. At 8 o'clock we
turned into a large field, and now expected to go into camp. But in this
were disappointed, for an hour later we were again ordered to proceed.
Near midnight we turned into a cornfield, and, after considerable
maneuvering, were ordered to pitch tents.

At peep-of-day, on the morning of September 18th, the camp was astir.
Breakfast was hurried up, horses fed and watered, and soon we were ready
to move. Orders were frequently given, and as often countermanded. Horses
were harnessed and unharnessed, some half dozen times; but at last we made
a go of it. Every few moments a halt was ordered; and thus it went until
the day was nearly ended, and little progress had been made.

Shortly before dark we arrived at Gordon's Mills and came to a halt.
Considerable cannonading was now heard on our right, and Madame Rumor,
with her thousand tongues, was busily circulating all manner of reports
throughout the lines. One thing, however, was certain; and that was,
matters must soon come to a focus, which the events of the following day
will fully demonstrate.

At 8 o'clock, the same evening, our horses were harnessed and hitched to
the guns; but hour after hour went by, and no word to move. Troops were
constantly filing past our Battery. We huddled around the camp-fires and
patiently awaited for orders. At midnight came the word to "forward," and
away we went. But little did we dream of what was in store for us the day
following, and which resulted so disastrously to the Army of the
Cumberland.

CHAPTER XV.

THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.

FIRST DAY.

At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, we passed our former
camping ground near Lee and Gordon's Mills, and about one mile beyond,
came to a halt. The weather was very cold, but fires were not allowed, and
every one was cautioned to remain as quietly as possible--to keep our
stations, and be prepared to obey any orders that might be given.

Although the men were weary and nigh worn out, yet they cheerfully obeyed,
as all well knew that dan