When two miles from Liberty we met General Morgan and staff, who had just come from McMinnville. His first question was:
“Boys, where are the Yanks?”
It was a surprise to him to receive for reply:
“General, four thousand, composed of infantry, cavalry and artillery, commanded by General Hall, passed through Statesville scarce an hour and a half ago on the road intersecting with this pike three miles distant.”
Thanking us for such prompt intelligence, he dismissed us with instructions to go to our quarters in town and report to him at daylight.
Armed cap-a-pie, not sooner did the first gray streaks of morning appear in the east than the company were “fronted into line” at the General’s headquarters, for duty. On receiving his instructions—ever brief and pointed—we moved off rapidly in the direction of Auburn to execute the orders, “Find the enemy, attack and hold him in check until you are relieved by the brigade which will soon follow you.” This done, nothing more would be required of us during the day.
Down the pike we flew at a frightful rate, and soon came in sight of Auburn and, a little farther on, the smoke of the enemy’s camp-fires. Yet, without reining our horses, we passed through the town, up the pike, and into a dense cloud of smoke rising from the deserted camp-fires. But, lo! the birds had early flown in the direction of Murfreesboro. Again that oft-repeated command, “Double quick; forward, march!”
Rowels were used eagerly, and our chargers, with nostrils distended, answered with increased speed. Arriving at farmhouses on the way we were told that the enemy was only a short distance ahead, and that the officers were hurrying their men forward by reminding them that “Morgan will get you,” etc.
With videttes in the van we overtook them at Milton, ten miles from Murfreesboro. They discovered us almost as soon as we espied them, informing us “gently” of the fact, with a round of grape and canister shot, and thereby wounding one of the vidette’s horses severely. The second shot exploded but a short distance above my head, while I was leading the company, “Captain Tom” being with the videttes.
We pressed steadily on, however, until the advance opened on the cavalry guarding the rear. Then right-obliquing and forwarding into line, leaving our horses in charge of No. Three, we dismounted to fight, deploying as we advanced. The enemy’s main force could be seen distinctly just beyond the edge of the town, the rear-guard holding possession of the village. On consolidating with the fire of the advance the cavalry guarding the enemy’s rear gave way; but soon after a squad of “Web-Foots” was seen hurrying up the pike to the post which the cavalry had deserted.