r plenty sat
smiling on every hand. And here it celebrated its first anniversary,
Mr. Millsaps, who was afterwards its Chaplain, delivering an address
suitable to the occasion.

From West Harpeth the Eighty-sixth took up the line of march for
Columbia. On its route it passed through Spring Hill, a very noted
place. It was here that Gen. Van Dorn, of the Confederate army, was
shot for a gross insult extended to the wife of a prominent doctor.

On the evening of the 28th of August the regiment reached Columbia,
Tenn., where it joined the brigade which had arrived there a short time
previous, taking up quarters in the outskirts of the town until the
30th, when it was taken into it as a garrison. The remainder of the
brigade continued the march in the direction of Huntsville, leaving the
Eighty-sixth with orders to follow up as soon as relieved by a command
of mounted infantry on its road from Kentucky. Columbia was a handsome
place and of much interest. James K. Polk had lived there, and Gen.
Pillow's plantation was not far distant from it. It had also several
fine literary institutions, one of which continued in operation while
the regiment was staying there. It was at Columbia Colonel Magee
procured the famous whistle that ever afterwards remained with the
regiment. By the mandates of this little instrument, in the hands of
its successive commanders, the actions of the Eighty-sixth were
controlled. It would advance, halt, retreat, lie down and get up, as
designated by this tiny whistle. Other regiments have prided themselves
in their eagles and pets, and the Eighty-sixth too, had long since
concluded she "paid too dear for the whistle," not to cherish it in
lasting remembrance. In years hence, when all things else will seem to
have passed away, memory will not prove recreant to the faithful friend
of all--the tiny whistle.

The regimental officers held an election here, and voted Captain A. L.
Fahnestock Major of the regiment, though it was a long time after this
before he was commissioned. The desired relief came on the 3rd of
September, and the 86th took up the march on the 4th, following up the
brigade, which by this time had reached Huntsville. The 28th Kentucky
mounted infantry relieved us.

The weather was warm and the command marched slowly, feeling its way as
it went. Colonel Magee did a good part by his men, always keeping their
good and comfort in view; he would not compel them to overmarch
themselves for