On the 13^th ultimo, advanced elements of Frazier's Legion descended into the valley below Buena Vista, in the foothills, to secure the important bridge at Knights Ferry. Led by Col. R.L.Frazier himself, elite squads of the 14^th Tennessee, 31^st Georgia, 5^th Texas and 1^st Texas (RACW) swiftly took possession of the Right Bank and occupied the site surrounding the old mill. Despite every right to demand command of all forces, due to his experience, rank and skill, our good Colonel graciously placed himself and the Legion at the disposal of the local (and somewhat inefficient) commander.

Hard marches every day characterized this campaign as Frazier's veterans were called upon time and again to race to the aid and succor of the local militia. These inexperienced troops lacked the discipline of true soldiers hardened by active campaigning and a life in the field. We observed raw recruits in every manner of dress and armament. Some wore fringe decorations on their uniforms, others bore a bewildering array of exotic arms and spectacles seldom seen among Frazier's veterans. The Colonel said nothing except "I think you gentleman will find standard issue weapons and

uniforms are more than enough for my Legionnaires to deal adequately with our nation's enemies." The men who followed Frazier proved the Colonel correct on more than one occasion, during the campaign.

Invigorated by the clear mountain air, inspired by the hamlet's seemingly beautiful women, the Legionnaires bore every hardship and challenge with their accustomed good humor and resilience. In the evenings, temperatures dropped to fearful lows, but the men of the 14^th Tennessee led the way in spooning together to keep warm. They formed intensely close, intimate relationships not previously thought possible. In particular, Cpl. Lund of the 14^th proved himself capable of great personal warmth. Consequently he enjoyed a good measure of personal popularity among the ranks, seeking to lie close to him.

his Legion directly into the town square. With bayonets fixed, and prepared for any contingency, the Legion took the point of honor, well in advance of any other units. When late arrivals attempted to usurp the place of his Legionnaires, Frazier boldly formed ranks and advanced his lines to the most favorable position for an attack. The upstarts withdrew and the ground leading into the banquet hall, which was fairly won by dint of good discipline and manly courage, became Frazier's prize. Ever generous and considerate, the Colonel had a young rascal Yankee, captured earlier that day by his scouts, led to the head of the line and treated with honors equal to that of his bravest men. Immediately after dinning, the fellow was hung as a spy.

who sought the use of the long covered bridge as their only egress to the mountains beyond. The Legion sought to resolve this situation and so marched directly on the Dent Citadel.