n, in the battle of Stone
river.

28. At midnight orderlies went clattering around the camps with orders
for the troops to be supplied with five days' provisions, and in
readiness to march at a moment's notice. We expected to be sent away
this morning, but no orders have yet come to move.

Mrs. Colonel B. F. Scribner sent me a very handsome bouquet with her
compliments.

Mr. Furay accompanied Vallandingham outside the Federal lines, and
received from him a parting declaration, written in pencil and signed by
himself, wherein he claimed that he was a citizen of Ohio and of the
United States, brought there by force and against his will, and that he
delivered himself up as a prisoner of war.

30. Captain Gilbert E. Winters, A. C. S., took tea with me. He is as
jovial as the most successful man in the world, and overruns with small
jokes and stories, many of which he claims were told him by President
Lincoln. From this we might infer that the President has very little to
do but entertain and amuse gentlemen, who apply to him for appointments,
with conversation so coarse that it would be discreditable to a stable
boy.

31. Received a letter from daughter Nellie, a little school girl. She
"wishes the war was out." So do I.

JUNE, 1863.

1. By invitation, the mounted officers of our brigade accompanied
General Negley to witness the review of Rousseau's division. There were
quite a large number of spectators, including a few ladies. I was
introduced to General Wood for the first time, although I have known him
by sight, and known of him well, for months. Many officers of Wood's and
Negley's divisions were present. After the review, and while the troops
were leaving the field, Colonel Ducat, Inspector-General on General
Rosecrans' staff, and Colonel Harker, challenged me for a race. Soon
after, Major McDowell, of Rousseau's staff, joined the party; and, while
we were getting into position for the start, General Wagner, who has a
long-legged white horse, which, he insisted, could beat any thing on the
ground, took place in the line. McCook, Wood, Loomis, and many others,
stopped to witness the race. The horses were all pacers; it was, in
fact, a gathering of the best horses in the army, and each man felt
confident. I was absolutely sure my black would win, and the result
proved that I was correct.

The only time during the race that I was honored with the company of my
competitors, was at the starting; then, I