ood-road, rather
depressed in feelings, and sadly missing that sense of security which
the fellowship of a large body of men gives to the soldier. On we went
for about three miles through dense woods that chilled one's very marrow
with their gloom. Occasional glimpses of bits of blue sky through the
overarching branches were the only reminders that the outside world
remained as it used to be. Once or twice we passed small openings in
which some poor white had located, and where half-naked children were
the only signs of civilization, or, rather, uncivilization, till, at
last, under the guidance of a scout, we filed into a clearing about a
quarter of a mile from the bridge. Through the woods we could see two
guns planted in the road at the bridgehead, and a squadron of dismounted
cavalry supporting them. The smoke rising from the partially burnt
timbers, and the frequent interchange of rifle and carbine shots, with
now and then the roar of artillery, gave ample evidence that business
would soon be lively in that locality. The outlook was not at all
enlivening; our regiment was small in number, the woods dark and
treacherous,--the main army adding mile upon mile to the interval
between us,--and we were very forcibly impressed that even
railroad-smashing, in plenty of company, was far better than
bridge-burning with such lonesome surroundings.

While chewing the cud of reflection, and anxiously considering the
situation, a major of cavalry appeared from the woods calling for
assistance, and cold perspiration covered us as our captain was ordered
to place his company under the major's direction. Command was given to
"Fall in," which we did with very solemn faces, and whisperings went
through the ranks that we guessed it was all up with us; but the order
to "March" called us to duty and we proceeded down the road accompanied
by a battery, which had at that moment arrived and proved a welcome
addition to our meagre force. Halting in a clump of trees, a short
distance from the river, we divested ourselves of all luggage and then
made our way through the woods to the edge of a field that bordered on
the river bank; quietness reigned as we deployed as skirmishers, and
just before we advanced, the cavalryman pleasantly informed us that when
the line struck a certain stump, we should get abundant notice of our
Confederate friends' proximity. Not in the least overjoyed at this
information, we crept slowly forward, all eyes and ears