same position, and no
movement was made on either side. _We_ were awaiting the arrival of
General Thomas' troops.

The next morning we moved forward in order of battle. Skirmishers were
thrown out on each side of the road, through the woods and fields, and
during the day some little fighting took place. We moved to within four
miles of Murfreesboro, and camped for the night in a piece of cedar woods.

The following day was passed in preparing for the great battle, which was
now imminent. Our troops were posted at different points, Batteries placed
in position, picket lines established, scouts and skirmishers thrown out,
ammunition chests overhauled, and all other necessary preparations made
for the coming conflict.

That night our guards were doubled. The Infantry slept on their arms, and
Artillerymen at their several posts. No fires were allowed, and the utmost
vigilance enjoined on all.

To-morrow would be an eventful day.

CHAPTER XII.

THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.

FIRST DAY.

Just at daylight, and while some were getting breakfast, others watering
their horses, the Rebels made a sudden and vigorous attack on the Division
of General Johnson in General McCook's Corps, and which was stationed on
the extreme right.

Owing to the suddenness of the attack, and the overpowering force which
the enemy had brought to bear at this particular point, the troops of
General Johnson were thrown into confusion, and ere they could recover
from their surprise, the enemy had broken through their lines, and forced
them to fall back, at the same time firing volley after volley, killing
and wounding a large number of Union troops. They had also succeeded in
capturing several pieces of artillery, and, in one instance, the entire
battery of Captain Edgarton, taking the Captain and most of his men
prisoners.

General Johnson rallied the remainder of his troops as speedily as
possible, and others coming to his support--but not until having lost
considerable ground--by 9 o'clock, A. M., the engagement had become
general along the entire line. At 10 o'clock the battle raged with great
fury, and slaughter. Our Battery was stationed on the left of General
Negley's division--it being the last, or left division of the right wing.
The enemy, at noon, had succeeded in turning this wing, and had partially
got in on our rear, subjecting us to a severe cross-fire. General Cruft,
however, managed to extricate the brigade from this un