their relative positions. In this ordered we proceeded, but as we approached the position occupied by the enemy they fled before us without firing a gun.

It now became apparent to me that the intention of the enemy was harass our march, and as the country was mostly wooded, I concluded to continue the march in the order above referred to, thus avoiding the possibility of running into an ambuscade or of being surprised. The enemy fell back as we approached for about 2 miles, when they turned coastward. For some time afterward I was expecting a demonstration upon our rear and made preparations accordingly. We proceeded to march in this manner for 12 miles frequently relieving the skirmishers by sending out others, without further molestation. It was now getting dark and we were within 7 miles of Decatur, when we concluded to bivouac for the night. Strong pickets were thrown out in every approachable direction. The boys were allowed to sleep till 3 o'clock the next morning, when they were awakened, and as soon it was day-light we were on our way, and arrived at Decatur at 6.30 a. m., bringing back every member of my regiment who went with us.

I wish to say a word relative to the condition of these people. They are mostly poor, though many of them are, or rather were, in comfortable circumstances. They outnumber nearly three to one the secessionists in portions of Morgan, Blount, Winston, Marion, Walker, Fayette, and Jefferson Counties; but situated as they are, surrounded by a most relentless foe, mostly unarmed and destitute of ammunition, they are persecuted in every conceivable way, yet up to this time most of them have kept out of the way sufficiently to avoid being dragged off by the gangs that infest the country for the purpose of plunder and enforcing the provisions of the rebel conscription act. Their horses and cattle are driven off in vast number. Every public road is patrolled by guerrilla bands, and the Union men have been compelled to seek protection in the fastness of the mountainous wilderness. They cannot hold out much longer. This state of things has so disturbed them that but very little attention has been paid to farming, consequently many of them are now destitute of food of their own and are living off their more fortunate neighbors. Such examples of patriotism as these people have set are worthy of being followed. One old lady, Mrs. Anna Campbell, volunteered to ride 35 miles and return, making 70 miles, with about 30 recruits, within thirty-six hours. When it is taken into consideration that these people were all hid away to avoid being taken by the rebels and that the country is but sparsely settled this case is without a paroled in American history. There are many cases of a similar nature that came under my observation, but I do not desire to weary your patience with them. Suffice it to say that I have never witnessed such an outpouring of devoted and determined patriotism among any other people. I am now of the opinion that if there could be a sufficient force in that portion of the country to protect these people there could be at least two full regiments raised of as good and true men as ever defended the American flag. So confident am I that my views are correct that if the commanding general will grant me permission to do so I will take my regiment (the boys want to go) and two weeks' rations of bread salt, sugar, and coffee (meat we can get there), and 500 extra stand of arms, with a sufficient supply of ammunition, and locate at least 30 miles south of Decatur, where I will rally around me a sufficient number of the brave mountaineers to protect the country effectually against anything except the regular rebel army, which, by the way, would find it a diffi-