ntinels as they paced
their weary beat.

Daylight came at last, and with it came rain. The command was given to
move on, and forward we went, the rain pouring down in torrents, and the
roads in a horrible condition. At almost every step, poor, weary, worn out
soldiers sank by the road-side, being completely exhausted and unable to
proceed further.

About four o'clock in the afternoon, the advance of our battery arrived at
Mount Vernon. Here they halted for the remainder to come up, but finally
took up quarters in a large field just in rear of the town, and it was
decided upon to remain there for the night. Our guns came stringing along,
and at dark all had not arrived. A small quantity of coffee was procured,
from which, with some raw pork, we made the best meal we could. Fires
were kindled, around which the weary souls gathered to obtain, if
possible, a little sleep. Some crouched under wagons, others stowed
themselves away in sheds and barns. The wagons containing our tents and
mess chests were still back on the road.

Such a night as we passed through, will never be forgotten. All were wet
to the skin, and many had no overcoats nor blankets.

Morning came at last, and with it a bright sun; but the air was raw and
chilly. A breakfast similar to last night's supper was procured and soon
eaten. After waiting some time for the rest of the battery to come up, we
finally moved on without them. A march of ten miles brought us to a short
distance from Crab Orchard. Here, much to our satisfaction, we were
ordered to encamp. No time was lost in obeying the command, and what few
tents had arrived were soon pitched. A hasty supper was cooked, and as
speedily demolished. Soon, all had turned in for a night's rest, being the
first we had been able to obtain for two days.

Thus ended one of the most disastrous forced marches during the war. Many
a poor fellow owes his death to this cause.

The day following, the rest of the battery arrived, and we remained here
until Tuesday noon, the 19th of November, when we were ordered to march,
our destination being Lebanon. Alonzo Starr, of our company, died the
night previous at Mount Vernon, a victim of the forced march above
alluded to. His remains were sent home in charge of Corporal Blanchard.
This was the first death in the battery. A number of our sick were left
behind; one of whom, E. K. Bailey, died on the 17th of December. After
marching about eight miles during the day, we en