There was a very heavy snow storm during the night, and in the morning the ground was covered to the depth of several inches; but, the weather being mild, it rapidly disappeared. Got an early start, and pushed on through the mud and slush. At noon arrived at Mount Vernon, and halted for an hour in a large field, and cooked our dinner. At 2 o’clock we again moved forward, and went towards Somerset. The weather was now growing colder, and the snow had made the roads very heavy, so that our progress was but slow. It was a cheerless and comfortless march. Little do those at home, who tread only on hard, dry pavements, know where a soldier’s feet hath been. We toiled on through the mud for about six miles, and then camped for the night. The snow was still quite deep, but we succeeded in getting some hay, and, clearing the ground, spread our blankets on the hay, then built large fires, and lay down to rest. Thus we managed to pass the night in tolerable comfort. It must be borne in mind that, as yet, we were without tents, and had been so ever since leaving Nashville.
The next morning, October 27th, we were up betimes, and, after breakfast, were again on the road. The sun shone brightly, yet the air was quite chilly. We marched about twenty miles, and at night camped near a small creek, two miles from Somerset.
The day succeeding we all remained in camp, and passed the time in looking over old letters—as dear to us as household words—and now and then a sly look was given to some well-worn miniature of a nameless friend far away in some Northern home. Thus passed the day, and the stars came out, and
“Sat their sentinel watch in the sky,”
and found us sunk on the ground overpowered with sleep.
The following morning we were again on the march. Passed through Somerset at 8 o’clock, and went out on the road to Fishing Creek. Found all the places of business closed, and the town looking quite gloomy. The greater part of the inhabitants had left previous to the Rebel army entering. We were warmly welcomed by those who remained—especially the members of our Battery, as most of us were well known. As we passed the hill on which we had been so long quartered the previous winter, all eyes were turned towards it, and many a familiar spot was pointed out. It seemed to us like an old home.
We crossed Fishing Creek about 11 o’clock, A. M., and here remained until the following morning.
October 30th. Resumed our march, and, at 9 o’clock, A. M., passed the battle ground of Mill Springs.
Old stories of the battle were told, as we passed the familiar places where the conflict had raged. Many a tree bore the marks of cannon ball and shell. The fences were riddled with bullet holes, as evidences of the terrible work of January 19th, 1862, and which will long be remembered as an eventful day in future history.
We saw many graves of those noble heroes who that day gave up their lives in their Country’s cause. Peace to their ashes.