ce, and disposed no
doubt for desperate efforts, we expected soon a bloody struggle.

It was deferred by the interposition of a merciful Providence, through
the agency of the "God of storms," until a more favorable time. Still I
had faith to think that the enemy at this place would be obliged to
yield to the immense force we were able to bring against him, and
patiently waited the time that would bring shame and defeat to the
enemy, and crown our arms with victory. Then can we in the fulness of
our hearts and in all truthfulness say, that

"The star spangled banner in triumph does wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

In the knowledge of the immense amount of power brought into action by
both parties, in this sanguinary struggle, when the science and genius
of nearly the whole world are turning their thoughts in this direction,
forsaking other and more useful pursuits, some thoughts naturally
suggest themselves.

I could not help thinking, that from time immemorial the differences of
men upon approaching a certain point, when "forbearance ceases to be a
virtue," have always culminated in this summary way of cutting,
slashing, and braining one another. Still it seems very unfortunate that
these things cannot be settled by other means. History makes no mention
of other ways provided, so I trust we are following the appointed way,
by laying on "tooth and nail."

From Saturday, 24th, to Tuesday, 27th, the weather was quite warm, with
occasional showers of rain. Wednesday morning we found it snowing, the
air extremely cold, the wind from the north-east, blowing a gale, which
continued through the day, making it the most uncomfortable day we have
yet experienced. Thursday, 29th, was sunny, warm and pleasant, and we
had no more rain until Sunday, February 1st, when we had to submit to
another rainy day, which though unpleasant to us, was the means of
clearing off what little snow remained upon the ground. The day before,
we were visited by the U. S. Paymaster, and received our pay from the
date of enlistment, up to October 31st. Some of the boys were hoping to
get their pay up to the 1st of January, but getting it from the date of
enlisting, which was more than they expected, (as they thought of
obtaining pay only from the time of mustering in, October 13th,) they
rested satisfied and waited, if coming short, for the next pay day.

Monday, February 2d, I had a visit from Joseph S. Davis, of