HISTORY OF THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.

An incident of the day's experience is worth recording: At one time, after leaving Tullahoma, the regiment was ordered (for what reason the writer has not found it definitely stated), to draw up in an open field, and hold its ground without returning fire. It was but a short time till a Federal regiment came within range and halted. It was so close that the Kentuckians distinctly heard the command of its colonel as the line dressed up, " Ready   aim   fire !" True to orders the First stood its ground without wavering, and took the volley    happily without serious consequences, as the enemy seemed to have checked up but momentarily in the execution of a rapid movement. " It was well done," said a participant, " but it was not easily done, if the other men felt as I did."

With this retreat upon Chattanooga began the marchings, counter-marchings, reconnoiterings in force   all the preliminary steps to the marshaling of the great armies fronting each other on the battlefield of Chickamauga. Previous to the conflict which began here, Sept. 19, 1863, the First Kentucky had been assigned to what was known as the second brigade of Wharton's Division, Wheeler's Corps. This cavalry brigade, under command of Col. Thomas Harrison, was reported on the 7th of October to consist of the First Kentucky, Eighth Texas, Eleventh Texas, Third Confederate, and a battery of six small guns.

Meanwhile, from some time in July till August 31, the First Kentucky had one period of real rest and recreation   a freedom from responsibility which could be appreciated in its fullness only by men who had been kept on the move and much in action for nearly two years; an abundance of wholesome food for man and beast to which they had long been strangers, and in such variety as the Southern soldier seldom found, even for a single day. This unusual experience can best be described in an extract from an account by a member of the regiment, in whose memory it seemed to linger as something thitherto unknown in a Kentucky cavalryman's life. Note also that he explains how Col. Butler got himself into temporary trouble by resenting unjust treatment of his men in the matter of arms, and how the regiment could depend on its own resources, as it had done several times before, when arms and equipments were not furnished or were not to their liking. We quote as follows :

" After Bragg's army had been withdrawn from Tullahoma and neighboring points where it had spent the winter and spring, the First Kentucky all the time forming part of his cavalry rearguard, and was established south of the Tennessee, the authorities concluded that the regiment had earned a rest, and it was sent early in July to Spring Creek, ten miles from Rome, Ga., a splendid section, rich enough to