THE ENEMY NEAR

On this day, the 16th Ohio woke up, after a long night of rain, and prepared to resume their march eastward. The soldiers heard some rifle fire and found that some rebel cavalry had dismounted and crept up near the 120th Ohio, located to the 16th's front and right, and fired upon them. The 120th quickly made a strong response and the rebels ran away.

The troops didn't begin their march until 3:00 P.M. and only progressed about four miles before halting again for the night. The troops laid down in line of battle, anticipating more attacks by roving bands of rebel cavalry.

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Period map showing the approximate campsite of the 16th Ohio east of Bolton Depot, Mississippi, July 8, 1863:

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Modern day map of the 16th Ohio's march from their camp near Bolton Depot, east about four miles on July 8, 1863

Blue pin - approximate position of 16th Ohio with Gen. Osterhaus' Ninth Division from June 24 to July 6, 1863, while guarding Grant's siege at Vicksburg from attack by Confederate General Joe Johnston.
Red pin - approximate campsite of 16th Ohio the night of July 6, 1863, after marching east from Bovina Station.
Green pin - Near Bolton Station, Mississippi, approximate campsite of 16th Ohio the night of July 7, 1863, after marching east from Edwards Depot.
Yellow pin - a point about four miles past Bolton, Mississippi, where the 16th Ohio camped the night of July 8, 1863.