Tuesday, July 7th. About five o’clock in the afternoon cannonading was heard in the direction of Tullahoma, and from the regularity of the firing it was supposed to be occasioned by some good news. In a short time after, firing was heard much nearer, and evidently in General Thomas’s Corps, which was encamped on the opposite side of Elk river. One half hour later, the joyful news was received of the capture of Vicksburg, and the entire Rebel army of that place. The news spread like wild-fire through the camp, and every one was in high glee. Good news was also received from the army of the Potomac, which was now under the command of Major-General Meade.
Wednesday, July 8th. Early this morning received word to prepare for a move. Some of the batteries in our division fired a salute in honor of the victory achieved at Vicksburg. About half-past 7, we got started, and moved towards Manchester. The roads were in a horrible condition, and it was with difficulty that we were enabled to proceed. We passed through the town of Hillsboro, and here General Woods’s division went into camp while we pushed forward, and at 4 o’clock in the afternoon reached Manchester, a small town on the Chattanooga and Nashville railroad, and went into camp.
Our tents were pitched on the same ground that we formerly occupied, and on the following day we commenced clearing up and regulating the place, as it was evident that we were to remain here for several days. Shades of evergreens were erected over the tents, and the ground being hard and dry our situation was quite pleasant.
On Monday, July 13th, Generals Rosencrans and Crittenden, together with several other distinguished officers, arrived on the cars. They appeared to be on a tour of inspection; but after a short stop proceeded to McMinnville.
The Pay Master arrived on the following Wednesday, and took up quarters with Captain Standart. The next day we were paid for four months’ services, being up to July 1st.
The above comprises about all that occurred while in camp at Elk river, out of the usual course of camp life. The weather, while here, was quite hot, and frequent thunder storms ensued. Several prisoners were brought in at different times, and numerous foraging expeditions were sent out, and were generally successful, bringing in oats, rye, and hay. Farmers came in with wagon loads of potatoes, fruit and vegetables, which were readily bought by the soldiers. A number of men in our Battery built ovens, in which they baked bread, pies, etc.; and, as a general thing, we lived on the best the country afforded.
A few days before we left camp an addition was made to our Battery of twelve new members, who were enlisted on the Western Reserve, in Ohio. Orderly Sergeant Thompson, received his commission as Second Lieutenant, and William Camp was appointed Orderly Sergeant. William Broe, who was wounded at the battle of Stone river, rejoined us. Captain Standart was acting as Chief of Artillery for the division, and also sitting on the Court Martial board. We received a number of fresh horses from Nashville, together with a lot of new clothing. Several of the members who had been left in hospital at Murfreesboro, returned to duty. We remained in this camp just thirty-eight days.
At 3 o’clock on the morning of Sunday, August 16th, we were all aroused from a sound sleep, with the order to “turn out,” and “get ready to march.”
This was rather unexpected, and caused considerable surprise, as it was understood that no movement would be made until Monday. But, “no man knoweth what a day may bring forth.” So move it was, and at 8 o’clock we were “marching along.” About 10 o’clock we crossed Taylor creek, and headed towards McMinnville; but when we had proceeded some five or six miles it clouded up suddenly, and soon we were experiencing one of those thunder storms so peculiar to this region. In a couple of hours the storm had passed over, and the remainder of the day was quite pleasant. We reached Viola near sundown, and camped in a large field near the place.
At daylight all were up and had breakfast, expecting the usual early move. The morning was foggy, but at 8 o’clock the mist cleared away, and two hours later we were on the road.