uilding is quite extensive, and built of brick. It was
formerly used as an Orphan Asylum, and was thus rather suggestive to us
poor soldiers. How many of our little band of warm hearts would ever again
sit in the sunshine of home? How many of the loved and true would look

For the brave men who'd come never again,
To hearths that are broken, to hearts that are lone.

None could know the ending.

Quartered in the same building was Kinney's battery of our own regiment.
We remained here but two days, during which we were visited by a large
number of citizens, and by them shown much attention.

On the morning of October 8th, we were on the march to Kentucky, and
crossed the Ohio river. Arriving at Covington we at once commenced getting
our horses and guns on board the cars, after which we were formed in line
and marched to the market house, where we partook of a good dinner that
had been provided for us by the loyal and patriotic ladies and gentlemen
of Covington. When we had eaten to our hearts' content, our haversacks
were abundantly filled by fair hands; then, giving nine rousing cheers for
Covington's noble sons and daughters, we reformed in line and marched back
to the depot. In a short time all were on board the cars and under way. We
passed through Cynthiana and several small towns and arrived at Lexington,
where we remained until daylight. The cars containing the horses were sent
forward to Nicholsville, the drivers going with them. Those who remained
at Lexington were marched up to one of the hotels and treated to a good
breakfast. During the forenoon the entire train reached Nicholasville, our
guns and equipments were landed, and in a short time we were once more on
the march.

Early the following morning we arrived at Camp Dick Robinson, having
marched sixteen miles over a good turnpike road, and through what is
called "the blue grass regions." This part of the country is said to be
the finest in Kentucky. We pitched our tents in an extensive field, and
found quite a large body of troops who had preceded us, numbering about
six thousand. The place is poorly adapted for a camping ground, wood and
water being quite unhandy. We were obliged to go three miles to the
Kentucky river to water our horses. After remaining here eight days,
during a portion of which time it rained, on the night of October 18th we
received orders to be ready to march early the next morning.

CHAPTER II.

BATTLE OF WILD CAT.