Meanwhile, the scouts began their exploits—exploits so much talked of by the command, and so eagerly anticipated. Oftentimes, accompanied by the General, on such occasions impersonating the character of a scout, and to all appearances one of the company, we would dash out on exciting and successful adventures, expeditions carried on in the vicinity of Gallatin and Nashville, and also in the neighborhood of Lebanon and Hartsville, where a brigade of Yankee infantry and a regiment of cavalry were discovered quietly encamped on the north bank of the Cumberland, and near the latter place. The cavalry was commanded by Colonel Moore, and was supported by another brigade of the enemy, six miles distant in the direction of Gallatin.
As soon as this discovery was made, the General put his wits to work to “take them in out of the weather.” It was about the first of December, 1862, and on the morning of the 6th of December orders were received to report to General Morgan’s headquarters immediately, an order we as soon carried into effect.
Having received from the General our special instructions, we moved off in the direction of Hartsville, to be followed, almost immediately, by our brigade of cavalry, and also by the Old Kentucky Infantry Brigade, commanded by General Roger B. Hanson, whose duty it was to hold possession of Lebanon during our attack. The position of the places closely resembled a Y: Nashville at the top and left, Hartsville at the right top, Lebanon at the junction, and Murfreesboro at the bottom. So you will easily see that Nashville, not forgetting Gallatin, is as near to Lebanon as it is to Hartsville, and it would be quite easy for the enemy to intercept our line of retreat. This General Hanson was to guard against.
When the scouts passed through Lebanon, late in the evening, they were met by many ladies, who, woman-like, had anticipated our movements, and urged and implored us to capture the Yankees at Hartsville. And they added, “Be sure to bring them through town so we can see them!” When you learn that most of the boys had sweethearts there, for it is a glorious old place in the estimation of most of our command, you will not wonder that they promised a prisoner on their return.