CHAPTER XIII.

Preparations--We move North by railroad--Details of the ride--March from the railroad--Night on the frozen ground--Feelings and conduct of the soldiers toward the citizens--Night at Martinsburg--March to Mexico--Character of the citizens--Bad conduct of certain of the men--What the Major did about it--His speech--Its effect--An excess of quinine and lack of bread--Return march to Martinsburg--The New Year--March to Wellsville--Sickness--Conduct and character of Surgeon Edwards--Foraging and plundering--Movement of troops to the front--Anxiety to go with them--Fort Donelson--Discontent at being left in the rear--Trial and release of Col. Williams--He assumes command and begins reforms--Marching orders 175