On the 6th instant, they returned to Columbia, where they safely arrived.
On the evening of the 2d of May we were all aroused by an order to harness horses, and every man to be at his post with all possible dispatch.
This sudden move rather took us by surprise, and all wondered what was in the wind.
It would appear that a large number of Morgan’s guerillas had been prowling in the vicinity of Columbia, and it was supposed that they intended to take advantage of the absence of part of our force, to attack the place. But it was not long ere we were in readiness to give them a warm reception. Our remaining two guns were posted on a hill a short distance from the camp, and the balance of the troops, then here, were placed in favorable positions. The night passed without any disturbance.
Morgan and his hellish crew
Were afraid to come in view.
But for several nights we maintained a strict watch for the murderous thieves.
On the morning of the 6th of May, the forge wagon was sent to Mount Pleasant, to shoe the horses of Lieutenant Bennett’s section. Lieut. B. and his command were camped in a fine grove, near a large creek. The First Wisconsin and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, together with some Kentucky Cavalry, were camped near by.
On the 10th of May, an order came for them to proceed directly to Pulaski; and at noon they were on the road,—the First Wisconsin going with them. The left section had, also, an order to go to the same place, and left immediately, under command of Lieutenants Sypher and Sturges. I will here state, that Lieutenant Sypher had returned, and joined us at Columbia, some two weeks previous, having recovered his health. He had been sick nearly two months, and went home from Houstonville, where we had left him. A number of our sick, who had been left behind, rejoined us here.
On the 20th of May, Lieutenant Bennett returned to Columbia with the right section, and immediately proceeded to Kalioke Station, six miles from Columbia, and on the railroad. On the 21st inst., the left section, under Lieutenant Sypher, returned, and went into camp at the old place. The night of June 2d, had another alarm, caused by the firing of our pickets. The next day, a Union meeting was held at the place; and during the afternoon had still another alarm, but, like the former, proved without cause. On the 29th of May, the left section again left Columbia, the center section now only remaining; and, on the 9th of June, they also left for Murfreesboro.