. H. W. Miller and Tommy Goodman returned
from home. Went out to drill as usual but soon returned with orders to
embark as soon as possible (which were indeed prepared for). Both of my
horses were taken from me and put in the teams, while a couple of lame
"crowbates" [crow-baits] were given me instead.

By 10 A. M. the 6th and the 12th Battery were all on board the "Julia",
a large passenger boat fitted up with great elegance, on her third trip
from New Orleans with several furloughed men and families fleeing from
the fate of the Confederacy, to seek protection in some Northern state.
Among these were two young females taking deck passage, and our mules,
horses, wagons etc., were stowed away upon all sides of them. Amidst the
oaths of soldiers their situation was truly pitiful. I felt thankful
that my sisters are where such trials will not reach them. At 12 M.
General Smith with his adjutant came aboard, and at 2 P. M. we started
up stream leaving the infantry regiments behind to follow as soon as
possible. Although the lower deck was very crowded we found plenty of
room and comfortable quarters above. The boat moved very fast and we go
very pleasantly. Night is closing in. I will lie down, hoping that when
we get to Memphis I will get some mail, as it has been a great while
since I received any.

Memphis, Sunday, Sept. 27. Awoke to find us tied up at the wharf of
Memphis with the "roustabouts" unloading the artillery as soon as
possible, having arrived here at 4 A. M. The boat hands unloaded all the
things without any assistance from us. Went to shore, cooked and ate our
breakfast and then harnessed my team. Found George Benedict and H.
Wheeler, B. Tutin and Wm. Dowden on board the "Eclipse" bound for
Vicksburg to join the Battery, but they were glad to find us here. Moved
up on the tableland. Came into "battery" where we stood two long hours
in the sun waiting, but at last we moved out, passed through the streets
of Memphis enveloped in a cloud of dust.

[Sidenote: 1863 Rumors]

Seven months ago, a bright Sabbath morning, we marched through the same
street to undertake a big job which we successfully achieved. 12 M. came
into park on a very pretty knoll with fine shade trees a mile above
town, the Wolf River a quarter of a mile to the front of us, 12th
Battery to our left, and the 15th Army Corps came in late in the evening
to our rear. Unharnessed and of course we were at home, no tents to
bother with. What car