23rd. Big smoke on Rebel side. Party went down and discovered bridge on fire, rebels all gone. Put out fire, only 20 ft. burned. Soon 2nd in advance and 7th O. moved on across the Watauga and followed Rebs. Co. C in advance, came upon pickets, saw them one and a half miles and came back having learned that they had crossed the river, all but 60. One of C got a prisoner and one shot a horse. Was platooned as flankers, men in reconnoissance. Went back and camped in old rebel camp. Chicken for supper. Exciting day. Hillhouse had few men as extreme advance. None hurt.
