Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 7.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[519] rations since the three days rations of hard bread issued the day before leaving Chattanooga. No matter — this was sufficient. Minds in doubt and suspense as to the fate of Murfreesboro, and, perhaps, the army itself, prevented hunger among fasting men. Day dawned October fifth, and a spirit of hopeful cheerfulness pervaded every one. The march was resumed, and during that day's march of thirty-four miles, only one halt was ordered — that at Readyville, twelve miles from Murfreesboro. The enemy, undoubtedly, occupied the main road, and would, perhaps, delay our entrance into Murfreesboro — if we got there at all — so the General tried strategy, and succeeded. By taking an old road across the country, he struck the Liberty Pike, and approached Murfreesboro by that route. We listened for picket skirmishing with our advance, but were disappointed; the road was clear. The rebels had not even occupied the town, much less the forts.

Just in the suburbs of the town a solitary vidette sat, watchful, with expectation on the qui vive, for the rebel advance, little thinking that succor was near. The rebels had driven in pickets, and burned the small railroad bridge near town; beyond this nothing was known. Even then they were within two miles, on the Shelbyville pike, threatening the town. A gallop to that pike, in order to be ready should they advance, and we took a breathing spell. Showing no intention of advancing, and night being close at hand, we went into camp.

Never were men more welcome than was our column at this time. The greatest delight that could be manifested greeted us from every quarter. The ory, “We're saved,” came from many a loyal heart that evening. All the quarter-masters', commissaries', ordnance, and other departments had been hurriedly transferred to the forts; sutlers had packed and gone; citizens, men, women, and children had all gone to the same place. The small garrison were undaunted, and would have held out to the last; but still they cried with heartiness: “We're saved!”

That night, rations, quartermaster's stores and horse-shoes were drawn, and next morning, October sixth, we were again in motion. We marched on the Shelbyville pike, and having started late, it was dark when we arrived at Guy's Gap and went into camp, without having come up with the enemy. Here we heard very indefinitely that the First division was coming up behind. It was small gratification if they could not, even for one day, give us relief and rest.

Again en route next day, the seventh, and arriving at Shelbyville early, we halted a few moments. A portion of the rebel column had passed through there, and robbed and pillaged every store. Passing through town, we took the Lewisburgh pike, mounted infantry in advance, Long's brigade next, and the First brigade supposed to be following. Of the Second brigade, the Third Ohio, which had rejoined the brigade near McMinnville, had the advance; next the Second Kentucky, the Fourth Ohio, and the First Ohio in the rear. Three miles out from town, sharp skirmish firing opened in front and to the right. The Second brigade started in a gallop, and soon arrived where the column had turned to the right, through a very rough lane. A part of the mounted infantry were engaged with a brigade of rebels, and we were to charge them. We passed Miller's brigade as they advanced in line. A moment only allowed for observation, and our column continued the gallop. It was the McMinnville charge repeated, with this difference — there a regiment charged, here a brigade. Heavy firing at the head of the column was now heard, and the furies again raised their yell. A continuous stream of prisoners was being guarded to the rear on the double-quick. The roads were strewn with dead and wounded men and horses, and other paraphernalia of the battle-field. The sabre is doing its work. We pass Colonel Long, who is slightly wounded, and his horse head on the road. He got a remount and was again at his post. Many of the prisoners are dressed in our uniform; some of them are killed on the spot, and the others forced to undress and go back sans culottes.

The charge continued for six miles. First a regiment was put to flight, then a brigade destroyed — all of them killed, wounded, captured, or dispersed. The halt and rally sounded. The long charge through the cedar glade, over a rough road, had lengthened and almost disorganized the brigade. We were close upon Wharton's division, and when he saw that we had halted, he immediately began an advance on our broken regiments. A line hurriedly formed, was formed none too soon; their advance was in force enough to crush us, but, notwithstanding, our fellows opened fire. Just when he was needed more than any other man, Captain Stockes galloped up with his battery, opened fire rapidly, and drove the enemy again on retreat. A further charge now was impracticable; the nature of the road made it so; besides, it was impossible, the horses were worn and jaded to such an extent. Minty's brigade could have been used advantageously just then, but on sending back for him, the orderly reported him not to be found. Miller's command advanced with a strong line of skirmishers, which became warmly engaged, and, having gone two miles, during which we got again on the Lewisburgh pike, had every prospect of stubborn resistance on the part of the rebels, who opened with his artillery. Stokes once more in position, and after half an hour firing ceased, the enemy once more en retreat. Here great preparations had been made for battle; fences laid down over a wide extent of country, but Miller and Stokes had not given them time to complete arrangements.

Half a mile from Farmington, which is about three miles from where the last stand had been made, the advance commenced firing on a rebel line of skirmishers. Long's brigade was ordered to the front, and halted on arriving there. Directly