Meanwhile the two regiments of the second line had moved to the rear, crossed the creek, and proceeded to form a new line faced to the south, on a commanding field about three miles to the north. The enemy making no further demonstrations, the two remaining regiments and the battery, after a time, formed column and passed through this new line about dusk, and soon after met reinforcements, three regiments and a battery under General Hurlbut. Moving leisurely back, we reached our former camping places about 8 P. M.
But apprehensions of an early attack were entertained. In pursuance of orders received from General Hurlbut during the night, we were in line and had our wagons loaded at 3 o'clock next morning, and waited most of the day, expecting the approach of the enemy. We however policed our camps, and toward night put up our tents. Reinforcements were started to us from Jackson, and that evening we had a dress parade at which an order from General Hurlbut was read, stating that with reinforcements that had arrived and were about to arrive, he hoped soon to be able to assume the offensive; also that reveille would beat at 2 o'clock next morning, and that the baggage would be loaded at four. The order was obeyed; but the enemy declined battle and the General did not pursue. We again put up our tents; but at night a similar order compelled us to take them down again early in the morning. And thus for several days we were kept in a constant state of vigilance and of preparation for any emergency.
The troops now here in excess of the 4th Division constituted an additional division under Brig. Gen. Ross.
[CHAPTER XXII.]
Sudden orders to march—A day's march toward Corinth—Bivouac on the Big Muddy—Fight of the cavalry—Arrival of General Ord—Reveille—Advance of the 2d Brigade—Situation and movements of the enemy—BATTLE OF MATAMORA—Our positions in reserve—Progress of the battle—Carrying the Bridge of the Hatchie—Disastrous situation—Reserves ordered into action—Scene beyond the bridge—Hurlbut saves the day—Carrying the Heights—Practice of the artillery—Retreat of the enemy—Bivouac on the field—On picket—Reconnoissance, details, etc.—Return to Bolivar—Fruits of the victory—Losses.
Our regiment was on battalion drill on the afternoon of October 3d, when orders came to be ready to march promptly at three o'clock in the morning, with three days cooked rations in haversacks. The evening was spent in preparation, and during the night frequent orders arrived announcing the details of the march. We were to go in light order, taking, besides the ambulances, but two wagons to the regiment, one for ammunition and one for tents, of which each company was to take one. Those not able to march were exempted by the surgeons, and for this purpose an examination was had.
Reveille roused us at one o'clock; at two we had breakfasted; and at three the column formed on the open fields to the west of Bolivar. It consisted of the 4th Division, and the 68th Ohio and 12th Michigan of Ross' division. General Hurlbut was in command. General Ross was to remain to guard the place.
The column began to move without delay. We passed through Bolivar and took the road leading in a southeast direction toward Corinth. The full moon shone beautifully, but not enough to light the densely wooded bottom through which for two miles beyond Bolivar the road defiles. Besides the frequent mudholes, we had to ford a small creek that flows through a cypress swamp, by which means the ranks were much broken and the column greatly lengthened. When the head of the column gained the bluffs to the east of this, it was halted to wait for the rear to come up. Day had not yet dawned, but the scene was enchanting. The moon cast a pure pale light over all the landscape, which for a long distance lay beneath us to the west. There was not a breath of air in motion; and the profound silence which pervaded all nature was broken only by the heavy tread of man and horse, and the clatter of baggage and artillery wheels. Where and why were we thus marching? The sudden orders, the nature of the preparations, and the unexpected direction we were taking, assured us that it was an uncommon movement, and that there was trouble ahead. All was mystery; but in it every one could see a battle. Little did we think that at that very hour the enemy was preparing to storm our works at Corinth.