One object of our expedition was to examine the condition of the Railroad and telegraph line. On leaving Pulaski, Lieut. Oats, with twelve men, was detailed for that purpose. He proceeded along the line of the Railroad from Pulaski to Decatur, examining carefully its condition. The writer was requested by Lieut. Col. Phillips to accompany him, and report the condition of the telegraph. We were often separated two or three miles from the main column.
On the evening of the 17th, a portion of the teams came down from Pulaski, with five days rations, and returned to Prospect the next morning.
On the morning of the 18th November, the entire Regiment moved West, in the direction of Florence. Crossed Elk River, fifteen miles West of Athens, and halted to feed. During the afternoon of this day, when near Rodgersville, the advance were fired upon by a squad of Rebels, who broke and ran. No one hurt. Two companies moved rapidly down to the Tennessee River, at Lamb's Ferry, hoping to capture the boat. But it was on the other side of the river. Moved West on the Florence road, and bivouacked for the night nine miles West of Rodgersville.
November 19th, we moved at daylight, Westward on the Florence road. At Shoal Creek bridge the advance encountered and chased some Rebels, who seemed to be guarding the bridge. Proceeded rapidly with two companies, to Bambridge Ferry, six miles above Florence, and captured the ferry-boat. The Rebels opened fire from the opposite side of the river. Our two companies were deployed as skirmishers, and returned the fire. A brisk fire was kept up for one hour, until the boat was destroyed, when we started on our return march. Re-crossed Shoal Creek. Halted and fed. Mounted and continued our return march. Bivouacked for the night West of Elk River.
We moved again early on the morning of the 20th of November, and returned to Athens about 12 M. Proceeded through town, on the Decatur road, about six miles, halted and fed. From this point four companies returned to Athens, and occupied our old camp. The remainder of the Regiment proceeded to Moorsville. Found a force occupying that place, and returned to camp at Athens on the 21st. On the afternoon of this day, we moved our camp South-west of town.
The country having been completely explored, and considering there was no immediate danger from the enemy, the Col. sent for our teams and baggage. They arrived on the evening of the 21st, and the boys were glad to have a change of clothing.
I would here say, that upon our first coming to Athens, it was not deemed prudent to remove any baggage here, except such as could be carried on our animals. Our Regiment was sent down here all alone, in the midst of an enemy's country. No one knew the exact strength of the enemy. It was fifteen miles to Prospect, where our nearest forces were. The Elk River intervened, and was often past fording. At that time there was no way of crossing it, except on a very small boat which would only carry one wagon. It was a hazardous position we occupied, at best. There was a heavy force of Rebels South of the Tennessee River. There were a number of ferries for crossing at different points. But having reconnoitered the country, and destroyed several of the enemy's ferries, it was thought our train might be brought down with safety.
From the time we left camp at Pocahontas, until our train was brought down, we had been out 23 days, and on the march nearly all the time. During this time, we had with us no tents or covering of any kind, except such as we carried on our animals. We would march all day, often making 40 and 45 miles, and then lay down on the ground at night, with no covering but our blankets. During this time, we marched over 400 miles.
When our train arrived, and our camping ground was determined we had no tents, which could be quickly spread for a shelter. Most of the boys were under the necessity, for several nights, of doing as they had done, sleeping in the open air. Soon lumber was procured, from the fence around the Fair Grounds and the buildings it contained, and unoccupied stables and fences, with which to build shanties. But we had no nails, and this country could furnish none. But where there were buildings and fences, there were nails, and the old nails were preserved, and thus the boys built their houses. After a time, they were quite comfortable in them. The work of building "New Athens" was, however much retarded by the fact that several companies of the Regiment were almost constantly out on scouting duty. But ere long their houses were finished, with comfortable fire-places attached.
As I have stated above, Lieut. Col. Phillips, with the 9th Ill. Inft., was detached, and sent to Athens to establish a post. It was a strange kind of post for two or three weeks. Much was said about "Col. Phillips' circulating post." After we were settled down in our camp, however, Col. Phillips formally assumed command of the post, with his Head Quarters in town, leaving Major Kuhn in command of the Regiment. Still the post, or its head, was rather circulatory; for whenever the Regiment was out on a scout of any considerable importance, the Col. was sure to go along.