Danville is one of the most beautiful towns in Kentucky. The streets are wide and clean, and the place is well laid out. The population is about five thousand. It contains many fine buildings, both public and private.
Early next morning, as usual, on the move, with fine weather. Lieutenant Sturges was left sick with typhoid fever at Houstonville, on our way through. Marched twenty miles this day, and camped in the woods eight miles from Lebanon. There was a heavy fall of snow during the night, and the morning was ushered in cold and disagreeable, but we were soon moving, and arrived at Lebanon about noon, and camped two miles from town on the Louisville road.
Time, on the above march, four and a half days.
At Lebanon, we received a supply of new clothing, and also our Sibley tents, which made us more comfortable. At this place, we obtained the news of the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. Our horses were shod, and some of them exchanged for others. Also received a lot of army wagons, with six mules to each. Had considerable sport in breaking in the mules, many a laughable incident occurring. One of them, in particular, seemed inclined to have his own way, in spite of all the driver’s efforts to render him tractable. He would neither go forwards nor backwards; and when Jehu applied whip and spurs, as an inducement to proceed, he would turn his head, look his tormentor full in the face, with a most wicked leer, and then commence such a series of “ground and lofty tumblings,” that the driver was feign to hold on for dear life. Finally, a bright idea seized the mind of our mounted friend. “Boys,” said he, “I’ll bet two to one, that I make this cloven-footed, tobacco-leaf-eared model of a Dutch church sweat the hide off hisself;” and, leaving his animal tied to a fence, he entered a grocery, soon returning with an immense cabbage stuck on the point of his sword. Once more mounting the sagacious beast, Jehu laid his sword between the animal’s ears. The cabbage projecting in full view to the enraptured gaze of the refractory steed, caused him to elevate his muzzle for so tempting a morsel, and, in the attempt, he began to move forward, and soon was going at a speed wonderful to behold. That mule always went well after that. He was partial to cabbages.
We had orders to move on Tuesday, the 18th of the same month; but, owing to the rainy weather, did not leave. From preparations being made, it looked as if we were going to have another long and tedious march. Only the officers knew our destination. The weather during our stay here, had been wet and cold.
Theodore White died in hospital on the night of February 18th. His remains were sent home in charge of his brother, who was quite sick. A large number of sick were left in hospital at this place, among whom was Corporal H. P. Fenn, who died shortly after our departure. Lieutenant Bennett returned on the 20th, having nearly recovered from his sickness.
Friday morning opened bright and clear, and we took our departure from Lebanon, having been here one week.
At 8 o’clock, were on the way, and, at 11 A. M., passed through the town of Springfield. Marched twenty-five miles that day, and pitched our tents in the woods, five miles from Bardstown. The next morning was rainy. Proceeded to within one mile of the town, and again camped. Kinney’s battery accompanied us. This was the 22d of February, being Washington’s birth-day. At noon, Kinney’s battery fired a salute, in honor of the occasion. The next day, went about four miles beyond Bardstown and again camped in the woods. A large number of troops were camped near us.
On Monday morning, the 24th, we started for Louisville. Nearly all of Thomas’ Division were with us, making quite a large army. Marched twenty-six miles this day, and camped for the night near a small village. The next morning, got an early start, and arrived within three miles of Louisville. It was now the 25th of February.
We camped in a large field near the city, and the following day were paid for two months’ services, being up to the 1st of January. This was the second payment we had received.