wishes of the people in this regard, the present governor
was urging his promotion. He is still undecided whether to accept a
brigadier's commission or the nomination for this high civil office.
Wind.

18. Two deserters came into our lines to-day. They were members of a
regiment in Cleburne's division, and left their command at Fosterville,
ten or fifteen miles out. They represent the Southern army in our front
as very strong, in good condition and fine spirits. The rebel successes
on the Rappahannock have inspired them with new life, and have, to some
extent, dispirited us. We do not, however, build largely on the Eastern
army. It is an excellent body of men, in good discipline, but for some
reason it has been unfortunate. When we hear, therefore, that the
Eastern army is going to fight, we make up our minds that it is going to
be defeated, and when the result is announced we feel sad enough, but
not disappointed.

19. Generals Rosecrans, Negley, and Garfield, with the staffs of the two
former, appeared on the field where I was drilling the brigade. General
Rosecrans greeted me very cordially. I am satisfied that those who allow
themselves to be damned once without remonstrance are very likely to be
damned always.

I am becoming quite an early riser; have seen the sun rise every morning
for two weeks. Saw the moon over my right shoulder. Lucky month ahead.
Am devoting a little more time than usual to my military books.

Colonel Moody, Seventy-fourth Ohio, has resigned.

20. This afternoon I received orders to be in readiness to move at a
moment's notice.

21. The days now give us a specimen of the four seasons. At sunrise it
is pretty fair winter for this latitude. An hour after, good spring; at
noon, midsummer; at sunset, fall. Flies are too numerous to mention even
by the million. They come on drill at 8 A. M., and continue their
evolutions until sun-down.

Wilson, Orr, and DuBarry are indisposed. My cast-iron constitution
holds good. As a rule, I take no medicine or medical advice. In a few
instances I have acceded to the wishes of my friends, and applied to the
doctors; but have been careful not to allow their prescriptions to get
further than my vest pocket.

The colt has just whinnied in response to another horse. He is in fine
condition; coat as sleek and glossy as that of a bridegroom. Yesterday I
rode him on drill, and the little scamp got into a quarrel with another
horse, reared up, and made a plu