tied our horses to the trees and
stuck up our tents in the mud, but found boards to floor it and plenty
of rye straw to lie on. We built a fire in front of it, and got partly
warmed by 1 P. M. I was soon called on guard and I suffered very much
from the cold.

Dickson Station, Saturday, Oct. 24. A clear but cold night, but with the
aid of a blazing fire I spent the hours quickly. To-day it is cloudy and
cold. A cold day South is far more disagreeable than in Wisconsin. It is
always accompanied with rain, consequently very damp, and the wind
pierces through the body although it does not freeze. Two teams with
Sergeant Hood started for Iuka early. We are about three miles from the
front. The smoke of Osterhaus's Division is clearly seen. Blair's on
this side of it. They have laid here several days, but we find plenty of
forage. Two beeves were brought in by our Platoon and Evans and Blake
went and dug out a sweet potato patch for the twenty-fourth time.
Succeeded in finding a fine mess. Corn is brought in by teams. Artillery
firing could be heard in front this morning; result I have not heard.
Four of the 4th Brigade captured by guile.

Dickson Station, Sunday, Oct. 25. A very pleasant day and quietly spent.
Firing heard in the front with artillery about noon. Enemy reported to
be fortifying and on the advance. Our Division ordered to be ready to
move to the front at any moment. Teams returned from Iuka at 9 A. M.,
Billy Hamilton having started at 2 A. M. this morning. Looks very badly
and discouraged. Drew clothing. I drew a pair of pants. Wrote to T. L.
None received. Two loads of corn brought in.

Dickson Station, Monday, Oct. 26. Long before reveille I was awake
listening to heavy roar of artillery in the front, which at times was
quite rapid. Can't be more than three miles away. The 56th Illinois and
18th Wisconsin went out at midnight with orders to report to Osterhaus
at 3 A. M. The firing gradually ceased but could be heard occasionally
during the day. General order No. 63 from W. T. Sherman was read to us
this morning at 9 A. M. A very able and just order for the government of
troops on the march and in camp. Four of the furloughed men returned.
Large forage trains sent out and returned plentifully laden with the
good things of the Confederacy. Health and spirits of the boys very good
and all is lively about camp.

Dickson Station, Tuesday, Oct. 27. A fine day. In good spirits. Drill
call sounded at 9