Distance made this day, twenty-five
miles.

Early the morning succeeding proceeded on the march, but went into camp
one mile from Bowling Green. While here we suffered for the want of
wholesome water--the only spring of good water being two miles from camp.
We were obliged to use water for cooking purposes from a pond that was
stagnant. Were kept on half rations, as we had been since leaving
McMinnville. In place of hard bread, flour was distributed.

Were ordered to move on September 15th, but, after getting ready, the
order was countermanded.

September 16th, again ordered to move, and at 5 o'clock were ready, but
waited two or three hours for the word to proceed. Finally started and
went one mile, when we bivouacked on side of the road for the night, it
being impossible to proceed further, owing to the immense wagon train.

At daylight next morning again started, and passed through the town of
Bowling Green, and shortly after forded Barren River, then halted long
enough for breakfast. About an hour before dark we left the turnpike, and
turned off to the right, through a piece of woods. It now commenced
raining quite hard, and the night was very dark. Our progress was but
slow, and it was 10 o'clock ere we halted for the night. The rain was
still falling heavily, and the air was quite chilly. Large fires was soon
built, around which we all gathered to enjoy the genial warmth. Water was
not readily obtained, and we lay down supperless. Tired and hungry, wet
and cold, we were soon asleep.

The next morning, September 18th, opened cold and cloudy, but soon cleared
up. And now, for the first time since leaving McMinnville, we had three
days' full rations served out. Having found a mudhole, from which we could
obtain water, all were soon busy in cooking their food, and for a time the
camp was quite lively--the men once more wore cheerful faces, and our
former hard fare was forgotten. Hardly, however, had we prepared our meal,
when the order was given to move, and the grub went down our throats on a
double quick. There was considerable "jawing" about that time. In a few
minutes, we were once more on the road. We started at noon, and for the
greater part of the way the road lay through a woody and sparsely
populated country. At dark we came in sight of camp fires, burning
brightly, evidently but a short distance ahead. But, for some reason, we
were delayed for hours on the road, and it was midnight ere we arrived at
th