. Awoke before daylight, numb with
cold. Sought the fire around the ruins. I found the 59th Indiana lying
sleeping, having returned at 1 A. M. after travelling twenty-six miles
since they started through the rain, and no rations or rest. Skirmished
with them two miles, driving them on to the river, but as they had no
artillery they had to return. Alexander lost the road, consequently did
not meet them. Picked up my breakfast from scraps of hard-tack
scattered.

Train went on to Nashville and had to unload the forage. The rebel
forces that came in yesterday, under command of Patterson, crossed the
river in the night and surprised the post, having them almost surrounded
before they were aware of their presence. They estimated fifteen hundred
mounted men, four pieces of artillery. The Regiment precipitately made
for the woods to escape. Lost everything, clothing, etc. and knapsacks.
The affair was no credit to the officers and men of the 13th Illinois.
Their time was out on the 24th inst., expecting to go home daily. About
thirty of them are now on their way to Southern prisons.

10 A. M. Alexander returned with the troops, having been on a wild goose
chase. Marched all night nearly, to find the bird safe. The raiders made
good their escape across the Tennessee after having taken four mule
teams and wagons, twenty to forty prisoners, a lot of good clothes,
"Yankee blue", supply of blankets, and killing two or three, one sick
man shot after surrender, with a loss of sixty-four in our hands. Took
his killed and wounded with him. On the other side they fired a salute
of defiance.

12 M. Battery started by land for Huntsville. Infantry and the artillery
came on train. Arrived at Huntsville 5 P. M., being gone twenty-four
hours. Marched thirty-eight miles. Tired and sleepy. All hands enjoyed a
hearty supper and a good night's rest.

Huntsville, Thursday, May 19. A day of quiet rest to all that would.
Sultry and cloudy. Health is good, but felt dull. Eyes pain me
considerable. Advance of the 17th Corps, 4th Division, arrived and
camped near our old camp on Russell Hill. Corps is to rendezvous here,
reorganizing before they take the field. No train expected from
Nashville for two days. A bridge is to be repaired, an unwelcome
occurrence in these exciting times when all are breathlessly waiting
for news. Five companies, 59th Indiana, went to relieve the 13th
Illinois to go home. Expiration of term.

Huntsville, Friday, M