ff again, we know not where, but we know it is for war, marching,
fatigues, battles and perhaps wounds and suffering, and that, while the
anxious heart of an invalid mother, an aged father, sisters and brothers
dear, are waiting my return. And I am comparatively alone, and the only
happiness I derive is in the indulgence of hope of the realization of
the good time coming.

[Sidenote: 1863 Breaking Loose]

Helena, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Awakened to find the boats tied up at Helena,
which point we reached at 3:30 A. M. Guards were placed to prevent the
boys going ashore; notwithstanding, the boys went and came. At 2 P. M.
swung out and after much trouble affected a landing where we could
disembark. Got off and into park by sundown. Indications of rain. (I on
guard.) Many of the boys down in the streets raising "ned", breaking
into saloons, drunk, etc.

Helena, Wednesday, Sept. 16. A cold, blustering night I had of it last
night on guard, threatening clouds passing over with high winds. The
boys lying around with no shelter, regardless of the coming storm, as
though they slept in the wealthiest mansion. It was a time for
melancholy thoughts for me. Day arrived. No rain. Wrote a hasty letter
before breakfast.

Orders were received to prepare to march to-morrow morning at 4 as an
escort to a large wagon train destined to Little Rock. Our Battery was
on the advance in the order of march, but it was countermanded before
night. I have very sore feet in the shape of boils, swelling so that I
am unable to put on my shoes. I on duty and it does no good to complain
but it is unpleasant. Division indulged in a general hallooing at tatoo,
half an hour in length--soldiering!

Helena, Thursday, Sept. 17. The long threatened rain storm came and it
rained heavy all day. We donned our ponchos and stood and took it.
Gathered in groups around camp fires and under trees, passing the time
as soldiers pass many days, heavily. 12 M. ordered to hitch up and move
camp below town. The order came while we were eating dinner, but in
fifteen minutes we were on the move, the infantry after us, colors
flying and drums beating. Went into camp about three quarters of a mile
below town between the river and the levee, with the infantry right
below. It is pretty flat but overgrown with weeds.

The Division is put in close quarters and a chain of guards thrown out
with orders not to pass anyone out unless furnished with a pass signed
by Brigade com