At dark, the left section were posted on a high
elevation, at the north-east part of the town. There was already a large
force here, and more troops still arriving. The concentrating of so large
a force at this point, looked as if a battle was brewing. Preparations
were at once made to resist any force the enemy might bring to oppose us.
Rifle pits were dug, and earth works thrown up. Various rumors circulated
through camp. Several persons were arrested on the charge of being spies;
one of whom, rumor had it, was found guilty, and sentenced to be hung.

Three days thus passed by, during which time we were visited by frequent
showers of rain.

On the night of the 18th of July, the center section moved to a grove
close by the depot, while the right section moved in another direction,
and near where the left was posted. At 9 o'clock next morning, received
orders to march, and a general breaking up of camp now took place; some
going in one direction--some in another. Our battery, together with the
Eighteenth Kentucky Infantry, went towards Shelbyville. Marched about nine
miles that day, and camped in a large field. During the night, had a heavy
thunder storm, with high wind. At daylight, were on the move. The weather
was quite cloudy, and threatened more rain, but soon cleared up and became
quite pleasant. At 10 o'clock A. M., entered Shelbyville, and, after
remaining there an hour, again moved forward. We were now traveling over a
macadamized road, which was in most excellent condition. After going eight
miles, we camped near a creek, and remained here until daylight the next
morning, when we again resumed our march. At 11 o'clock A. M., arrived at
Murfreesboro, where we found a large Union force, under Major General
Nelson. We camped on the Nashville pike, about one mile from town. The
next morning, there was quite a movement of troops. A large force headed
by General Nelson went towards Nashville. Our battery moved camp to a high
elevation overlooking the town. About three hundred slaves had been
brought in from the surrounding country, and set to work building a
redoubt for the use of artillery. Our men were engaged in putting the
camping ground in good order. In a short time, report reached us that a
large force of Rebels had entered Lebanon and captured the place without
firing a gun. All kinds of rumors were put in circulation regarding this
movement. At 4 o'clock, we received orders to harness horses and be
prepared