bend to the magic of beauty,
Though the banner and helmet are mine,
Yet love calls the soldier to duty."

24. Our Indiana friends are providing for the winter by laying in a
stock of household furniture at very much less than its original cost,
and without even consulting the owners. It is probable that our Ohio
boys steal occasionally, but they certainly do not prosecute the
business openly and courageously.

26. The Thirteenth Indiana, Sixth Ohio, and two pieces of artillery went
up the valley at noon, to feel the enemy. It rained during the
afternoon, and since nightfall has poured down in torrents. The poor
fellows who are now trudging along in the darkness and storm, will
think, doubtless, of home and warm beds. It requires a pure article of
patriotism, and a large quantity of it, to make one oblivious for months
at a time of all the comforts of civil life.

This is the day designated by the President for fasting and prayer.
Parson Strong held service in the regiment, and the Rev. Mr. Reed, of
Zanesville, Ohio, delivered a very eloquent exhortation. I trust the
supplications of the Church and the people may have effect, and bring
that Higher Power to our assistance which hitherto has apparently not
been with our arms especially.

27. To-night almost the entire valley is inundated. Many tents are waist
high in water, and where others stood this morning the water is ten feet
deep. Two men of the Sixth Ohio are reported drowned. The water got
around them before they became aware of it, and in endeavoring to escape
they were swept down the stream and lost. The river seems to stretch
from the base of one mountain to the other, and the whole valley is one
wild scene of excitement. Wherever a spot of dry ground can be found,
huge log fires are burning, and men by the dozen are grouped around
them, anxiously watching the water and discussing the situation. Tents
have been hastily pitched on the hills, and camp fires, each with its
group of men, are blazing in many places along the side of the mountain.
The rain has fallen steadily all day.

28. The Thirteenth Indiana and Sixth Ohio returned. The reconnoissance
was unsuccessful, the weather being unfavorable.

OCTOBER, 1861.

2. Our camp is almost deserted. The tents of eight regiments dot the
valley; but those of two regiments and a half only are occupied. The
Hoosiers have all gone to Cheat mountain summit. They propose to steal
up