re known as Christmas blossoms. The vine takes root in
the bark--in any crack, hole, or crevice of the tree--and continues
green all winter. The berries grow in clusters.

16. I have as guests Mr. and Mrs. Johnson House, my old neighbors. They
have come from their quiet home in Ohio to look over a battle-field, and
I take pleasure in showing them the points of interest. Mr. House, with
great frankness, tells me, in the presence of my staff, that he had been
afraid I was not qualified for the high position I hold, and that I was
getting along too fast; but he now feels satisfied that I am capable
and worthy, and would be well pleased to see me again promoted. I
introduced my friends to Lieutenant Van Pelt, of Loomis' battery, and
Mr. House asked: "Lieutenant, will these guns shoot with any kind of
decision?" "Precision," I suggested. "Yes," Van Pelt replied, "they will
throw a ball pretty close to the mark."

17. Dr. Peck tells me that the wounded of the Third are doing well, and
all comfortably quartered. He is an excellent physician and surgeon, and
the boys are well pleased with him.

FEBRUARY, 1863.

3. This has been the coldest day of the season in this latitude. The
ground is frozen hard. I made the round of the picket line after dinner,
and was thoroughly chilled. Visited the hospital this evening. Young
Willets, of the Third, whom I thought getting along well before I left
for home, died two days before my return. Benedict is dead, and Glenn,
poor fellow, will go next. His leg is in a sling, and he is compelled to
lie in one position all the time. Mortification has set in, and he can
not last more than a day or two. Murfreesboro is one great hospital,
filled with Nationals and Confederates.

4. At noon cannonading began on our left and front, and continued with
intervals until sunset. I have heard no explanation of the firing, but
think it probable our troops started up the Shelbyville road to
reconnoiter, discovered the enemy, and a small fight ensued.

5. It is said the enemy came within six miles of Murfreesboro yesterday,
and attacked a forage train.

The weather has been somewhat undecided, and far from agreeable.

6. A lot of rebel papers, dated January 31st, have been brought in.
They contain many extracts clipped from the Northern Democratic press,
and the Southern soul is jubilant over the fact that a large party in
Ohio and Indiana denounce President Lincoln. The rebels infer from this