d-quarters. He said he regretted very much being
compelled to refuse my application for a leave. Told him I expected to
command this department soon, and when I got him and a few others,
including Rosecrans and Thomas, under my thumb, they would obtain no
favors. I should insist not only upon their remaining in camp, but upon
their wives remaining out.

In company with Colonel Mihalotzy I called on Colonel Burke, Tenth Ohio,
and drank a couple of bottles of wine with him and his spiritual
adviser, Father O'Higgin. Had a very agreeable time. The Colonel pressed
us to remain for dinner; but we pleaded an engagement, and afterward
obtained a very poor meal at the hotel for one dollar each.

The Board for the examination of applicants for commissions in colored
regiments, of which I have the honor to be Chairman, met, organized, and
adjourned to convene at nine o'clock to-morrow. Colonel Parkhurst, Ninth
Michigan, and Colonel Stanley, Eighteenth Ohio, are members.

I am anxious to go home; but it is not possible for me to get away.
Almost every officer in the army desires to go, and every conceivable
excuse and argument are urged. This man is sick; another's house has
burned, and he desires to provide for his family; another has lawsuits
coming off involving large sums, and his presence during the trial is
necessary to save him from great loss; still another has deeds to make
out, and an immense property interest to look after.

6. This is the day appointed by the President for thanksgiving and
prayer. The shops in Winchester are closed.

Colonel Parkhurst has obtained a leave, and will go home on Monday.

7. Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Ellsworth arose rather late this
morning, and found a beer barrel protruding from the door of their tent,
properly set up on benches, with a flaming placard over it:

"NEW GROCERY!!
WILSON & ELLSWORTH.
Fresh Beer, 3c. a Glass.
Give us a call."

Later in the day a grand presentation ceremony took place. All the
members of the staff and hangers-on about head-quarters were gathered
under the oaks; Lieutenant Calkins, One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, was
sent for, and, when he appeared, Lieutenant Ellsworth proceeded to read
to him the following letter:

"OTTOWA, ILLINOIS, _July_ 20, 1863.

"LIEUTENANT W. W. CALKINS--_Sir_: Your old friends
of Ottowa, as a slight testimonial of their