CHAPTER III.

Operations of the rebel general Harris--Three companies of our regiment detailed to join an expedition against him--We are allowed ten minutes for preparation--We join a portion of the Sixteenth Illinois at Palmyra, and with them return to Monroe--The movement delayed by a storm--Consultation of officers--The column moves--Skirmish of Hager's Woods--We delay and finally camp for the night--And in the morning begin to retreat--Our train burned and the enemy in our rear--A threatened skirmish--He cuts off our communications and surrounds in large force--Cool conduct of Colonel Smith--We begin to fortify--A night of expectation--Details of our situation--The enemy opens with artillery--And begins to draw in his lines--We lie in our trenches and reserve our fire--Aid in the right time--The enemy quits the field in panic--An accident--Col. Williams arrives with a portion of the Third Iowa 43