Early the following morning, in accordance with orders, all were actively
engaged in making preparations to march; and, from certain indications, it
was evident that we were shortly to be called on to take part in our first
battle. It had been reported that the rebels, under Gen. Zollicoffer, were
advancing from Cumberland Gap to attack the Union force stationed at Camp
Wild Cat. The men were all in high spirits at the prospect of soon meeting
the enemy in battle array. At an early hour we were on the march, being
accompanied by the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of
Col. Steedman.

At noon, we passed through the pretty little town of Lancaster. The
citizens are nearly all Unionists, and they greeted us kindly as we passed
along. A number of ladies brought out such provisions as they had ready
cooked, and gave to us freely. At sundown, we arrived at Crab Orchard,
having marched twenty miles during the day. We here camped for the night,
it raining heavily at the time.

Next morning, after a hasty breakfast, were again on the tramp. After
passing Crab Orchard we left the beaten turnpike over which we had for
some time been traveling; and now commenced the worst trial we had yet
undergone. Over rocks, into ruts, through mud, onward we went; when, about
ten o'clock, reports reached us that the enemy had already commenced the
attack on the First Kentucky Infantry stationed at Wild Cat, and which was
yet some twenty miles distant. We therefore hurried along as speedily as
the rough nature of the ground would admit, and, at four o'clock, halted
at a small creek and were ordered to feed our horses and prepare supper
with all possible dispatch, to be ready for an all night march. Instantly,
all was activity. Ammunition chests were overhauled, and things got in
readiness for the coming battle.

At dark the word "forward" was given, and away we went over hills, through
valleys, and through the interminable mud. Such roads! The one leading to
"Jordan" can hardly be more difficult of passage. The moon, however, was
shining brightly, and all night long we held our toilsome way. No word of
complaint, not a murmur was heard, but with a silence only broken by the
heavy tread of our horses, and the creaking and rattling of the caissons
and gun carriages, we passed slowly forward. We were about to engage in
our first battle for the country we loved; the country that gave us birth;
and that was enough to quicken the