Dear Brother Frank,

My last letter home was mailed at Louisville one week ago. Oct. 1 the army at Louisville commenced advancing into the interior of the state in pursuit of Bragg. I suppose that about 200,000 men left about that time by the different routes all under the command of Gen. Bragg.

Our division under command of Sheridan took the turnpike towards Bardstown distant about 39 miles from Louisville but found the roads blocked by fallen timbers and was obliged to travel at least 50 miles passing through that place yesterday about noon. Today we have not but 1/2 mile. Our regiment have halted to let the rear of the army pass in front. We are now camped for the night 9 miles from Bardstown and are guarding about 130 of the baggage and provision wagons. Braggs army are in retreat and our advance guards have occasional skirmishes with them.

We occupy ground that was held by the rebels less than 48 hours ago. We passed yesterday a field where they been butchering about 50 head of cattle leaving heads and hides, it looked rather sealy. We expect a fight of some kind every day, some of our baggage wagons in the rear were fired into yesterday but no injury was done. We camp in the open air every night and have been favored with pleasant weather, most of the time. I stand the march much better than I expected to. My gun, knapsack, canteen, full of water, knapsack with 3 days rations and cartridge box with 60 rounds of ammunition weigh 40 pounds. Rather above the average weight I guess. At least 3/4 of our company have thrown away their overcoats some of them the first day, and some have thrown away knapsacks. But I have kept all my things except my fatigue coat which I did not need and wear my dress coat. We have tramped over some of the steeper hills and worst roads I ever saw. But I have grown tougher every day though I have been very tired sometimes. I did the hardest days work yesterday that I ever did on the Sabbath. We marched 17 miles and I was on guard last night and todays rest was very welcome. Only about half of our company are with us. Several were left in care of our tents at Louisville, and several left sick were Byron Moors, Leon Rossman and Mr. Ruch. Among them Rossman will probably be discharged. Bill Kent and one or two others have been left sick on the road and 2 or 3 have deserted on the way. Some of the Co’s have less than we have. We shall probably march for a mood while to come.

It is rumored that we are going to Cumberland Gap. I shall write as often as I can have an opportunity to mail letters. We cook our own rations. Have pork, sugar, and [?] all the time and when the wagons are with us have rice and coffee and beans. I am healthy and hearty and rush my victuals as well as I ever did. We sleep on our arms tonight. I can’t stay to write any more.

Love to all the dear friends at home. Tell our folks to send one or two postage stamps when write. Direct to Louisville as before.

Yours in haste, Chauncy

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