We camped about a quarter of a mile off the road, and near a house. The ground was not very well adapted for such a purpose, being quite low.
During our stay here we experienced much heavy weather; it rained or snowed a great portion of the time. But we now received a supply of new clothing, and other necessary articles.
After remaining here for ten days, on the morning of Sunday, January 18th, we once more made a move.
The morning was quite cold, and considerable snow lay on the ground—a heavy snow storm having prevailed during the night.
A march of six miles brought us to Cripple creek. We pitched our tents on a hill overlooking the surrounding country, and near the creek. The place was very rocky, and covered with young cedars. The trees, rocks and stumps, were so thick that it was almost impossible for a wagon to get through. But the men went to work, and soon had the ground sufficiently cleared to pitch the tents. This camp was on the McMinnville road, and eight miles from Murfreesboro. We had passed the place several times previously.
The day succeeding our arrival all hands went to work clearing up the ground, felling trees, and building breast-works and fortifications. This occupied several days. The weather was cold, with frequent rains, which rendered our condition rather unpleasant.
Nothing out of the usual way occurred until January 24th, when the entire brigade made a reconnoissance towards Woodbury. On reaching Readyville were joined by General Hazen’s brigade, and then proceeded as far as Woodbury, where a skirmish ensued with a small Rebel force. Our troops repulsed and drove them from the town. Our brigade returned to camp the same night.
Sunday, January 22d. This being the anniversary of Washington’s birth-day, at sun-down we fired a salute.
The next day Captain Standart started for home, having obtained a short furlough.
March 2d. A skirmish reported beyond Readyville.