Owing to the large number of troops, it was nearly 7 o’clock before we got started. After proceeding four miles we halted in the road, and were kept there until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. During the day signal flags were kept flying, the meaning of which only those in command knew. At 4 o’clock we moved forward, and pitched tents in a field near the road, most of the infantry and other troops going further on.
Remained in camp during the day of September 20th, engaged in cooking three days’ rations. While here heard of the fight at Mumfordsville, and defeat of our troops. All kinds of stories were at once set afloat, and, like those at a ladies’ tea-party, were not much entitled to consideration. It was generally supposed that we were on the eve of a great battle.
At daylight, September 21st, were again ordered to move, and were soon on the road. But before we had gone one mile came to a halt. We turned aside into a piece of woods, where we remained till 5 o’clock in the afternoon, when we once more proceeded forward, and it was long past midnight ere we encamped, which was done near a small creek. Distance traveled, ten miles.
One o’clock, September 22d, took the road, and after going some four miles came to where the enemy had been camped the night previous. It was reported that they had left in two divisions, and that some of our advance cavalry had a skirmish with them, and caused the enemy to retreat. We went about one mile further and were then ordered to “about face,” it having been ascertained that we were on the wrong road. Going back two miles we turned to the left, and in a short time pitched tents on the banks of Green River, opposite Mumfordsville, and near an old fort which had been erected the previous winter.
September 23d, again early on the march. At sunrise crossed Green River, and passed through Mumfordsville. At noon, halted near the railroad. Remained one hour, and once more under way. At 9 o’clock in the evening reached Camp Nevins, and pitched our tents near a creek. Marched this day twenty miles.
Early on the following morning moved forward. Passed through Elizabethtown without stopping. Went thirteen miles beyond, and camped for the night. We were now on a good macadamized road. As heretofore, water was scarce.
September 25th, resumed our march, and at noon arrived at West Point, situated on the Ohio, at the mouth of Salt River, and distant from Louisville twenty-two miles.
For the first time in a year we once more beheld a free State. After remaining a few hours, once more made a move. Crossed Salt River, and were now on the direct road to Louisville. Two miles from West Point we encamped.
Started before daylight, September 26th, and at noon reached Louisville.