Now his spirit has departed, And from eyes unused to weeping For another gallant soldier Off the picket guard forever. Tuesday, 29th.-This morning the fallen soldier's comrades bury him in a lonely place. Thus is this land being dotted all over with the Union's noble defenders. As we stand by this soldier's last resting place we are tempted to pray to heaven that some blighting and dread malaria would settle on the godless traitors-that their widows might weep until their eyes are weary, waiting for the return of their husbands-murderers from the field of strife. The command soon moves. We are now following winding paths through the woods and swamps, hunting for the marauding bands that are infesting West Tennessee. The regiment is now divided, moving in different directions. About noon we enter Jack Creek and capture three guerrillas. We remain here waiting for the different companies and detachments to come in. The junction formed, we move in the direction of Saultilla Landing, Tennessee river. All day we have been on the trail of Colonel Newsom; at one time the scouts fired upon him fifteen or twenty shots, but they failed in their object. To-night we camp six miles from the Tennessee river. Wednesday, 30th.-This morning the command is again divided into detachments and directed to operate on different roads. Colonel Rowett with one detachment of the command formed from the Seventh Illinois and Seventh Kansas, moves with full speed towards Swallows Bluff to intercept a battalion of rebels said to be crossing the Tennessee at that point. Coming up, the Colonel discovers that the guerrilla leader has already succeeded in crossing all his horses and men with the exception of about thirty who were now waiting for their raft to return. As soon as Rowett and his troopers were seen above them on the bluff, they saw at once their situation, and for the first time during our raids in West Tennessee the rebels offered us battle, being well protected by the bluff and readily aided by the more lucky portion of their command on the opposite shore, who were in easy musket range. A casual observer would not have considered their resistance altogether hopeless with these advantages in position. The Colonel discovered at once that to capture them could not be accomplished without a fierce assault. The assault is made, the enemy's resistance is determined. Showers of leaden hail come rattling on the bluff from beyond the river, but they do not check the two Sevenths. Led by the gallant and fearless Rowett they charge up the bluffs, raining a shower of bullets from their superior guns into the rebels on the other bank. Some fall, and the remainder retreat back under cover. command with their long range muskets succeed in keeping the enemy back; while the remaining portion pay their attention to the squad under the bluffs who are soon compelled to run up the white flag. Among the number captured was a Major. We soon discovered that this battalion belonged to the regular A portion of the confederate army, which accounted for the stubborn resistance. In this encounter the Seventh Kansas lost one man killed and two wounded. The entire command now forms a junction, and with our prisoners we move on about eight miles and go into camp for the night. It soon commences to rain, threatening to be a dark dreary night for the soldier, for of course we have no shelter. Thursday, October 1st, 1863.—It is still raining this morning and in lieu of dust we have mud. We are now fifty miles from Corinth, whither the advance is headed. We arrive at Purdy at 2 P. M., where we find Captain Clark with Company "D" barricaded in the old court house, where they had been sent yesterday with an ambulance and some sick soldiers. Captain Clark informs us that he was attacked by the guerrillas, but by determined resistance stood the ground against twice his number. Being well protected no casualties occurred. We halt in the outskirts of the town and feed, after which we proceed on our way towards Corinth. Arrive in camp 10 P. M., very much worn by the hard day's ride. Friday, 2nd. This morning the bugle fails to arouse the Seventh. The sun's rays have long been shining through the crevices in the barracks ere they awake, but by and by the stern orders come and the Seventh is brought forth. The prisoners (some forty in number) having been safely guarded in our oats house, are to-day reported and turned over to the Provost Marshal. The boys are busily engaged this evening cleaning up their guns preparatory to another scout. Saturday, 3d.-Last night some guerrillas made a demonstration on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, burning a bridge between Chewalla, Tenn., and Corinth. In the evening we receive marching orders with camp and garrison equipage, destination Chewalla, to relieve the Eighteenth Missouri, now stationed there guarding the railroad. Sunday, 4th.-This morning at seven A. M., we leave our old camp at Corinth, with all our camp and garrison equipage. The Seventh, as they move through Corinth with their knapsacks strapped to their mules, and with their long train of pack mules, look very much like an immense caravan starting on a pilgrimage. After about three hours ride we arrive at Chewalla, finding fine quarters and fine grounds, &c. The Eighteenth Missouri are now leaving, and as fast as they vacate we take possession. This evening the men are busy cleaning up and arranging their quarters Friday, 9th.—The swamps and bottoms along the Tuscumbia and the Hatchie rivers are now being thoroughly scouted. The guerrillas are finding their favorite haunts hot quarters. Go in whatever direc tion we may, and scouting parties from the Seventh can be seen. Saturday, 10th.-This morning Captain Ring proceeds with a detachment on a scout towards the Hatchie river, but nothing hostile being discovered, he returns in the evening. Friday, 16th.—A brigade of infantry pass through Chewalla on their way from Vicksburg to Corinth. They look as though they had seen hard service down on the Yazoo. This evening the order comes for five companies to report back to Corinth. Saturday, 17th.-This morning companies A, B, C, D and E, proceed on their way to Corinth, companies F, G, H, I and K, remaining at Chewalla. Troops from Vicksburg keep passing through Chewalla all day on their way to Corinth. October 19th.-To-day the cheering news comes to the army that Ohio's arch traitor has been defeated by 100 000 majority. Well done Ohio! The Illinois boys send greeting to your soldiers who fought the battle at the ballot box, gaining as important a victory over treason as has been gained on any of the great battle fields. This news carries cheer to every soldier's heart in the tented field. Wednesday, October 21st.-Last night Captain Johnson with part of the command started on a scouting expedition-has not returned yet. This evening he returns, after giving the notorious guerrilla, Captain Smith, a chase, capturing six of his horses, but owing to the dense undergrowth of the woods, Smith and his band made good their escape. Saturday, 24th.-This morning our detachment leaves Chewalla with their camp and garrison equipage for Corinth. We again go into our old quarters, which we now denominate our "old homestead." The arrival and moving of troops seem to instil new life into Corinth. The indications are that some aggressive movement is contemplated. |