CHAPTER XIV.
DEPARTURE FROM CRIPPLE CREEK.
Early on the morning of June 24th all were astir, and busily engaged in preparing to march. The word was given to be ready at 7 o’clock. The weather was quite cloudy, and indicated rain. At 8 o’clock it commenced raining; and shortly after, we were on the move, having bid adieu to Cripple Creek, which had so long been our home. The rain was now falling heavily, and so continued through the whole day.
After crossing the creek, we took a South-east course. The roads in many places were quite rough, but the country, generally, was level. We passed through a fine farming section, and the crops mostly looked flourishing, but somewhat backward, owing to the late spring frosts, which had delayed planting.
A march of six or eight miles brought us out on the Murfreesboro and Bradyville pike, and the roads were now in better condition. General Wood’s Division were here waiting for us to pass. A little further on, we found the Second Brigade, General Hazen, waiting to join us. Shortly after, we passed through the small town of Bradyville. About one mile beyond this, at a creek, a skirmish took place between some of the First Tennessee Cavalry and a party of Rebel Cavalry. Two of the Tennesseans were wounded, and, as usual, the enemy “skeedaddled.”
A halt was now made; and, after standing in the rain for an hour, we finally turned off the road, and camped for the night in a piece of woods. Thus ended our first day’s march from Cripple Creek.
The next morning was again rainy. Made a move at 6 o’clock, and found the roads rough and hilly. Had one very steep and bad hill to ascend, and found it necessary to double our teams; but it was some time ere all the guns and caissons were well at the top. We marched about five miles, and then halted for the wagon train to come up. The weather had now partially cleared. At 5 o’clock, seeing no prospect of the trains arriving that night, we finally camped. Some firing heard in the distance, on our left.
Next morning, the train had not reached us, and we could not move without it, as we were without provisions or forage. Were obliged to send back for feed for our horses. More rain was falling, and the roads were getting very heavy. About noon, the wagons arrived; but no further move was made, and we quietly remained in camp. Heavy firing was heard nearly all day. A general battle was reported as going on at Beech Grove, about twelve or fourteen miles distant. General Thomas’ Corps was engaged. Rumors were rife in camp, and several prisoners were brought in. Our camp was located at Holly Springs, about seventeen miles from Murfreesboro.
Saturday, June 27th. All hands were up at daylight, and prepared breakfast. The weather again cloudy. Firing on our right, still heard; but just before noon, ceased. At 12 o’clock, report came that General Thomas had defeated the Rebels and driven them, taking a large number of prisoners, and a lot of plunder.
At 1 o’clock, we once more got started, but the road was in a horrible condition; and after plodding slowly along for some six miles, we turned into a field near a creek and pitched our tents.