Friday evening brought troops into the small town of Tallasee, AL, important for the armory located there. Camps were set up and fires lit for dinner. Troops continued to march in throughout the night.
11 November 1863
Troops woke to a cloudy morning. Shortly after breakfast, the rains began. It was just a drizzly rain, but the winds were fierce. The wind and the rain made it cold. Everybody gathered around the fire to keep warm, as well as to cook lunch. Several new recruits were sent to join the troops. Shortly after lunch, Federal cavalry attacked the Confederate cavalry, who were resting in the field nearby. Several units of Confederate were sent out to help the cavalry. The Federal cavalry was supported by 5 or 6 units of infantry, as well as 2 mountain howitzers and 3 12 pound cannons. The Federal infantry outnumbered the Confederate infantry, therefore, they forced them back behind the Confederate artillery line. The Confederates were forced to retreat for the day. Despite the loss of the day, dinner was a jovial time. After dinner, there was a barn dance at a neighboring farm. Several people attended for a short period of time, but came back to camp to enjoy conversation and the warmth of the camp fire.
12 November 1863
Sunday morning was bright and warmer than the day before. Breakfast was a quiet affair. Church service was attended by many. People were optimistic that the day would be quiet and uninterrupted. Unfortunately, that would not be the case. The silence was shattered by Confederate cavalry being overrun by the Federal cavalry. Federal infantry was in close support while the Confederate infantry had to march in. The battle could have ended quickly had the Confederate artillery been given orders to fire sooner. The battle did end in the favor of the Confederates after the infantry was able to force the Yankees back.
