Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 10.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

[568] be ready to march to-morrow with two days rations. Our destination is not known, but we will probably go either to Virginia or Missouri. Some think that we are to attack Bird's Point, Missouri. If so, we will have some very hard fighting, and many of the brave and gallant Tennessee volunteers will bite the dust.

July 26th.--In pursuance with the orders of General Pillow we have been busy to day making preparations for our march. It is now reduced to almost a certainty that we are going to Missouri. The last scene at Randolph is a sublime one. I am writing by the brilliant light of a bonfire made from dry boxes and barrels, the remnants of the camp of the Hickory Rifles, and as I look around, and take a fare-well view of Randolph I can but be impressed with feelings of sadness, to think that so many of our brave boys who are leaving the old camp ground in such high spirits will never see their homes again. Several steamboats are at the landing to convey us to our destination, and in a few hours we will be ploughing the waves of the mighty Mississippi, and hundreds of miles will separate us from our homes, and those we love. The greatest excitement in camp to-night. Cheer upon cheer is given for the different companies, as with slow and measured tread their bayonets gleaming in the light of a thousand fires, they take up the line of march for the front.

July 27th.--This morning found us still at Randolph. Left the camp at ten o'clock, and waited on the river bank for about five hours, for the steamer W. M. Morrison. Left Randolph at sunset.

Sunday, July 28th.--Arrived at New Madrid, Mo., about four o'clock this evening. We were most heartily cheered from both the Missouri and Kentucky shores as we steamed up the river. This portion of the State is all right for the South. After disembarking and unloading our boat, I was detailed to go on a scouting expedition, but the scouting expedition, proved to be two hours hard work, pulling “thirty-two pounders.” Supped to-night on middling and cold bread, soldiers fare; never enjoyed a meal more; imagined that the Gayoso could not furnish a bill of fare that would be more agreeable to my appetite. After the despatch of that important business, and I had retired to my soldier's couch, on the ground, promising myself a sleep such as visits only the weary, I was summoned from my slumbers, to go to the river as “corporal of the guard,” to protect our worthy General Gideon J. Pillow. I am excusable for any hard thought I entertained at that time against the General.

July 29th.--Was relieved from duty this morning at nine o'clock. Paid twenty-five cents for my breakfast on the boat. Spent the morning