Monday, 29th—Went out this morning to the end of the Wilkerson pike. Met the Yankees and skirmished with them all day, falling back gradually. Their cavalry charged us once but paid dear for it. A number of prisoners were taken. We fell back to our infantry this evening.
Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd, Co. D of Terry’s Texas Rangers
Saturday, 27th—Commenced skirmishing early, falling back slowly; fought through Triune and beyond Mr. Perkins. Rained on us all day. After passing Mr. P’s, we took up line of march, came up three miles and turned off for Murfreesboro. I stopped and spent the night in a kitchen; came on Sunday 28th and overtook the Regiment. We came in five miles of M. Met the wagons, unloaded them and prepared to cook three days’ rations, but were ordered to saddle up and get out to meet the Yankees. A false alarm. Staid out until near midnight. Came back to where we left the wagons but they were not there.
Friday, 26th—Were aroused early this morning with the word the Yankees are in Nolensville. Went up at double quick and found them there. Fought them there all day until night, falling back to our old Camp at Mr. Page’s. Staid there tonight. Our loss, one piece of cannon and a few men—McClure of Company E killed.
Thursday, 25th—This morning just after being relieved the Yanks made a break on us. We were fired on just as we reached the Com., fought them all day, falling back about four miles (Christmas Day). Returned to Camp.
Wednesday, 24th—Was transferred to Black’s picket at Holt’s and stood to-night.
Tuesday, 23rd—Went on picket. I was put on at the Widow —.
Monday 22nd—Put on three days. A false alarm caused us to go to the front.
Sunday, 21st—Go on the famous detail to M. after guns which cost me three days’ roots. I went to see Miss Kate, spent about three minutes; had to make flying visits. Called to see Mr. Lane’s family. Coming back to Camp, stopped to get supper and did not get to Camp till after night.
Wednesday, 17th—Saturday, 20th—During this time had several false alarms amounting to a run down the pike and back to Camp. Also regular turns on picket.
Tuesday, 16th—Remained in camp.
