as we passed along, presented the appearance of hard usage
from the effects of the battle of Wednesday. Nearly every house was more
or less riddled by shot and shell. We saw one house that seemed as if it
had been the especial target of the gunners, for it was pierced in many
places. We continued on for about two miles, when our advance had some
little skirmishing with the enemy's rear guard. Our guns were at once
drawn up in position on a high hill, having a good command of the country
surrounding. We remained here some fifteen or twenty minutes, and then
proceeded forward on a double quick. Two miles further, and we came to a
halt--all our forces being drawn up in line of battle. More skirmishing
took place. About 4 o'clock we bivouacked in an extensive hemp field, four
miles from Danville. The boys remarked that we had come here for the
express purpose of preparing hemp for the "skedaddlers." That night was
cold and stormy. We crawled under the hemp-stacks, and made ourselves as
comfortable as the circumstances would admit.

October 11th. Morning still cold and stormy. We changed the position of
our guns, and the horses were kept ready harnessed, and every one at his
post. Some firing was heard on our left during the forepart of the day,
and, in the afternoon, on our right. We, however, kept our position, and
at night again slept under the hemp-stacks. The weather still continued
cold, but the storm had ceased.

Weather next morning was clear, but cold. At 9 o'clock some of the enemy
came into camp, bearing a flag of truce, but for what purpose we soldiers
did not learn. About 10 o'clock we were ordered to move forward. Our march
was through woods and fields, we seldom being on a regular traveled road.
At 4 P. M. we came out on the turnpike leading from Danville to Camp Dick
Robinson, and proceeded towards the latter place. The smoke of the enemy's
camp-fires could be plainly seen. When within four miles of the camp we
were ordered to "about face," and march back. So face about it was, and we
were again passing over the same ground that we had but just traveled.

"We marched boldly down the road,--
Then marched back again."

After going about three miles, we came out on another pike, which also led
to Danville. And now we came to a halt, for the night. Supper was soon
over with, and all turned in for a night's repose. Before midnight we were
routed out, with orders to harness our teams and march. Soon found
o