The next morning we moved forward in order of battle. Skirmishers were thrown out on each side of the road, through the woods and fields, and during the day some little fighting took place. We moved to within four miles of Murfreesboro, and camped for the night in a piece of cedar woods. The following day was passed in preparing for the great battle, which was now imminent. Our troops were posted at different points, Batteries placed in position, picket lines established, scouts and skirmishers thrown out, ammunition chests overhauled, and all other necessary preparations made for the coming conflict. That night our guards were doubled. The Infantry slept on their arms, and Artillerymen at their several posts. No fires were allowed, and the utmost vigilance enjoined on all. To-morrow would be an eventful day. CHAPTER XII. THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. FIRST DAY. Just at daylight, and while some were getting breakfast, others watering their horses, the Rebels made a sudden and vigorous attack on the Division of General Johnson in General McCook's Corps, and which was stationed on the extreme right. Owing to the suddenness of the attack, and the overpowering force which the enemy had brought to bear at this particular point, the troops of General Johnson were thrown into confusion, and ere they could recover from their surprise, the enemy had broken through their lines, and forced them to fall back, at the same time firing volley after volley, killing and wounding a large number of Union troops. They had also succeeded in capturing several pieces of artillery, and, in one instance, the entire battery of Captain Edgarton, taking the Captain and most of his men prisoners. General Johnson rallied the remainder of his troops as speedily as possible, and others coming to his support--but not until having lost considerable ground--by 9 o'clock, A. M., the engagement had become general along the entire line. At 10 o'clock the battle raged with great fury, and slaughter. Our Battery was stationed on the left of General Negley's division--it being the last, or left division of the right wing. The enemy, at noon, had succeeded in turning this wing, and had partially got in on our rear, subjecting us to a severe cross-fire. General Cruft, however, managed to extricate the brigade from this unpleasant predicament, and our Battery was drawn off in fine order, but not until we had expended all our ammunition. Our men, as well as those of the entire brigade, stood their ground bravely, and dealt dire destruction to the enemy. Several of our men were killed and wounded about this time. The battle still raged with great fierceness. The Rebels had gained a great advantage, and had driven General McCook's wing two or three miles.