y obtained, and, for the want of which, both man
and beast suffered terribly. The hills were steep and rocky, and our poor
horses, overcome with heat and thirst, were bleeding at the nose, and
ready to give out; but by dint of hard urging, and easing them of their
loads, we finally reached Pikeville early in the afternoon of Saturday,
June 14th. Much to our disappointment, found that the secesh had left
three days prior to our arrival.

Pikeville is a small place, containing one hundred and fifty inhabitants,
and is situated at the head of Sequatchie Valley. It is on or near the
dividing line of East and Middle Tennessee. There were several Union men
living here, some of whom joined Woolford's Cavalry.

The advance, finding their mission at an end, set out on their return the
next day. In the meantime the rear detachment, which had camped half way
between McMinnville and Pikeville the night before, the next morning
proceeded on; but when they had gone four or five miles, were ordered to
face about and retrace their steps.

A day and night's march again brought us to McMinnville, where we camped
on the river's bank. Those who went forward also arrived on the afternoon
of the same day, which was Monday, June 16th.

We remained here until 5 o'clock on the afternoon of the 17th, and then
once more moved towards Murfreesboro. Marched all night, and at daylight
of the 18th entered the town of Woodbury, where we camped near our former
ground. Remained here during the day, and at night resumed our march.
During the night were visited by a heavy thunder storm, rendering it so
dark as to be almost impossible to keep the road. At 4 o'clock next
morning reached Murfreesboro, and went into camp.

Murfreesboro is quite a pretty place, and contains a population of five
thousand. It is the county seat of Rutland, and is located on the
Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, being some thirty miles from the
former place.

Friday morning, at daylight, we started for Columbia, free from infantry
and cavalry, with the exception of one company of the First Kentucky.
Captain Standart left us at Murfreesboro and went to Shelbyville, where
Lieutenant Sypher was stationed with the left section. We were accordingly
under command of Lieutenant Baldwin. We camped the first night, two miles
beyond Franklin. Made an early start on Saturday morning, June 21st, and
reached Columbia at 11 A. M. the same day. Camped on the east side of Duck
River, whe