position from between the roads so as to have but one picket to contend with. When daylight appeared, in leading our horses down the hill which was quite abrupt, they started some loose stones which with their shod feet made quite a noise, sufficient to create a suspicion on the part of their picket that all was not well.

As soon as we reached the level ground we mounted and heard them coming in our direction. We halted, so as to ascertain their precise course, they riding a few yards then halting to listen, we continued very quiet at the same time, unslung our canteens containing all the water we had "and all we could get this side of our own army" and laying them as tenderly on the ground as if they were babies, had we made the least noise they would have bursted up our whole game, so we had to be mighty cautious, as there was 20 of them and 2 of us. They made while moving much the most noise, that with our being in the shade of the hill gave us the advantage. When they moved so did we, if they stopped we did likewise, taking back towards the enemy's camp at the same time so as to lull suspicion. We got off without a race for it, this again threw us on the same hill between the roads, with no doubt as to there being a picket on each road. We selected such a position on the hill as not to be sky-lighted and so concluded to pass the remainder of the night.

It was allmighty cold, Phillipps agreed to keep a bright lookout with both ears and eyes, while I could snatch a moment's sleep. He held the horses by the bridles while I made the attempt, 'twas no go, entirely too cold for sleeping so I raised to my feet and what should I see but some of the picket guards building a fire just at the foot of the hill within eighty yards of us. I pointed them out to Phillipps, who observed I can pick one of them off so nice with my rifle. This I though best let alone at the present circumstances, so our situation not seeming to be very healthy we concluded to move, which was done by