Colonel Lyons.
Stevenson, Ala., Sept. 13, 1863.—I arrived here last evening in company with Major Bigney, and we are waiting for a train to Larkinsville, which is twenty-four miles southwest of here on the Charleston & Memphis R. R.
Dr. Evans came here last night with a man from Company F, who is badly wounded in the leg by the accidental discharge of a gun. He reports the regiment well, that they will get to Larkinsville this afternoon, and that Jerry and Minerva are with them all right.
I went down to Murfreesboro on Friday and stayed there until yesterday. Saw Colonel Lowe, Dr. Wise, Adjutant Langdon and many others of the 5th Iowa. The regiment has been ordered to McMinnville. I spent some time with the 22d and saw many of my acquaintances there. Lieut.-Colonel Bloodgood is being tried by a Court-Martial. I was called in as a witness and testified to his previous good character as a soldier.
From Nashville here is 113 miles, and from Louisville to Nashville 185 miles, I think. The railroad from Nashville here runs through a fine country generally, until within twenty-five miles, where it strikes a rugged chain of mountains, passing through it for many miles. The road passes through a very long tunnel, the longest I ever passed through. The scenery is very grand. The mountains are all about us here, not such as I was familiar with in my boyhood, but still very respectable mountains.
There is a report, probably true, that General Thomas’ corps had a battle yesterday with Bragg somewhere south of Chattanooga; but with what results we do not know.
It is hard to guess anything about our future movements, but I do not think we shall be sent across the Tennessee river, unless General Rosecrans meets a check and needs reinforcements. The limits of the District of the Cumberland, which is held, you know, by the ‘Reserve Corps,’ under command of Major-General Gordon Granger, is extended to the Tennessee river. Some cavalry has been ordered from here to Larkinsville, and two of my companies, B and G, are stationed ten miles west of there to guard a railroad bridge. The regiment had to throw away lots of traps at Columbia for want of transportation. I do not know how much or what articles of mine were abandoned. The regiment was reduced to nine teams.
I am very glad that I went North when I did and had so delightful a visit. My only regret is that I was not with the boys in their long march, but they got along very well, as far as I can hear.
I do not give up the idea of having you come down and spend the winter with me. When this campaign is over, as it will be in a few weeks without doubt, the army will probably remain stationary for some time.
Colonel Bruce is relieved from the command of the First Brigade and sent to his regiment. I presume now that we are moved so far off that there will be a reorganization of the brigade. I hope that I shall have no command but my own regiment.
