While here, large reinforcements were received, being an entire brigade, composed of the following regiments, namely: Fourteenth, Seventeenth and Thirty-eighth Ohio; Thirty-third Indiana; First Kentucky; First and Second Tennessee; all Infantry, and a small detachment of Woolford’s Cavalry, with our own and Kinney’s Batteries, of the First Ohio Artillery.
While here, we had several night alarms, but none of them proved of much consequence. In each instance, however, we were promptly prepared for any emergency. A few days later, word came to strike tents and proceed on to London, some three miles distant.
We reached London about noon of the same day, and took our bivouac in a large field on the outskirts of the town. Some of the brigade arrived the night previous, having been pushed forward, from a report that the enemy were advancing on the place. This, however, proved false. But we at once took up good positions, and made preparations to resist any attack. Detachments were sent out to reconnoiter, but without discovering any signs of the Rebels. They had retired to their old quarters at Cumberland Gap.
The country around London is rough and mountainous, and the people are mostly of the poorer class. They are generally loyal to the “old flag.” The population of the town is about five hundred. Most of the inhabitants had fled on the approach of the Rebel army, but returned to their homes on our arrival. The buildings are, for the greater part, rickety affairs. There are but few good houses in the place. The stars and stripes, which had been torn down by vandal hands, were again raised, when the people were addressed by those noble patriots, Andy Johnson and Horace Maynard, both of Tennessee.
After remaining here quietly for two weeks, we changed our camping ground, moving about a mile west of the town, the officers thinking it to be a more desirable place for the purpose. But ere the tents had been pitched, an order came to cook three days’ rations, and be prepared to march early in the evening. All wondered what was up, and various were the conjectures. The most reasonable supposition was, that we were going to attack the enemy. What was our surprise, when, on forming into line, to find ourselves faced towards Wild Cat.
At last came the word to march. Regiment after regiment fell into line as we filed past, for our battery was to take the lead. Soon the entire brigade was in motion. Wild Cat was reached and passed, but forward was the order. It was now past midnight, with the moon shining brightly. Rock Castle river was crossed; and after marching some two miles further we came to a halt. In the meantime the moon had sunk beyond the western hills, and it was now quite dark. Fires were built, around which we gathered and patiently waited for daylight. Our brigade was strewn along the road for miles, and their watch-fires streamed brightly athwart the gloom, but all was quiet, save the mournful hoot of an owl perched in the neighboring forest, and the measured tread of the sentinels as they paced their weary beat.
Daylight came at last, and with it came rain. The command was given to move on, and forward we went, the rain pouring down in torrents, and the roads in a horrible condition. At almost every step, poor, weary, worn out soldiers sank by the road-side, being completely exhausted and unable to proceed further.
About four o’clock in the afternoon, the advance of our battery arrived at Mount Vernon. Here they halted for the remainder to come up, but finally took up quarters in a large field just in rear of the town, and it was decided upon to remain there for the night. Our guns came stringing along, and at dark all had not arrived. A small quantity of coffee was procured, from which, with some raw pork, we made the best meal we could. Fires were kindled, around which the weary souls gathered to obtain, if possible, a little sleep. Some crouched under wagons, others stowed themselves away in sheds and barns. The wagons containing our tents and mess chests were still back on the road.
Such a night as we passed through, will never be forgotten. All were wet to the skin, and many had no overcoats nor blankets.
Morning came at last, and with it a bright sun; but the air was raw and chilly. A breakfast similar to last night’s supper was procured and soon eaten. After waiting some time for the rest of the battery to come up, we finally moved on without them. A march of ten miles brought us to a short distance from Crab Orchard. Here, much to our satisfaction, we were ordered to encamp. No time was lost in obeying the command, and what few tents had arrived were soon pitched. A hasty supper was cooked, and as speedily demolished. Soon, all had turned in for a night’s rest, being the first we had been able to obtain for two days.