five
days. A large mail came in on same train. Eight letters for our Platoon,
six of which were for Evans and myself, two of which bore dates of
September 7. Where the deuce have they been? But one was a long letter
from Sister Ellen of the 4th inst. How it stirred up my feelings. It
seems as though I was once more restored to the peaceful paths of life
after laying here in the wilderness for over a week without a word from
anywhere save from the soldier boys. Evie had anxiously waited for a
letter as his family were in a critical condition. He was growing pale
and sick. But when the letters came with cheerful news, he looked like a
new man.

[Sidenote: 1863 Review]

Glendale, Friday, Oct. 16. A very fine day, rather warm midday. Health
never better, weight 140 pounds which is six pounds better than on
September 30 at Memphis. Grazed as usual. After returning I washed a
pair of pants at the spring. After dinner received orders to prepare for
inspection, each man to appear in his best. 1:30 P. M. "Boots and
Saddles" sounded and we soon were ready to move with boots blackened
(those that could afford it), coats brushed, and the old 6th looked
middling fine after all the dust of the war it has gone through for two
years. The only drawback was the horses which looked terrible. Had the
bones sticking out so as to almost cut the harness. Moved out under
command of Lieutenant Clark, accompanied by his wife, who rode by his
side, but she was evidently a little scared. Passed by the cavalry
troops with the 12th Battery behind us. The two Batteries came into
"Action Front", when Captain Dillon with several of the staff rode up
and down on inspection, after which they took a position in front with
the beautiful flag of the 12th Battery posted, and we passed in review
in column of sections at walk, then mounted cannoneers, and passed on
trot. We then resumed our "Action Front", after which Captain Dillon
took command with his usual zeal, put us through on the double quick for
nearly two hours. Returned to camp quite tired. To-morrow we move.

Burnsville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 17. As instructed at last night's roll
call, reveille was sounded before daylight with orders to prepare to
march at 8 A. M., and also to take our pay before we started. The
paymaster soon arrived, and as soon as possible counted the $26. By
breakfast he was through and at the due time we were on the road. We
marched in center of 1st Brigade bound eastw