nd
brothers and sisters dear, and methought that even then could I but know
their thoughts, they were wandering in the dreary land for me in the
mystical South. Did they see me then walking my beaten path in the still
quiet moonlight? Relieved from guard at 5 A. M. and as I felt very weak
and sick, went to bed. Did not get up till 9 A. M. Felt much refreshed,
a little better. All the Batteries' guard were mounted together and
inspected by the officer of the day of the "Battery Corps" with all the
paraphernalia of regulars. General Smith is making desperate efforts to
bring his headstrong Division to the standard required in description,
resorting to means almost tyrannical, but he never can make mere human
machines of the intelligent, strong-minded volunteers. They did not
leave their homes for holiday pomp and style, but to do their duty in
saving their country from ruin. All other objects to them are void of
interest and will not be pursued.

Huntsville, Tuesday, Jan. 26. Another beautiful day full of sunlight and
comfort, and I am in good trim to enjoy it. Drill call sounded as usual,
but instead of drilling we policed about three acres of ground by order
of Captain Dillon for two hours in the forenoon, and in the afternoon
the brush, paddle and broom were plied with industry hardly ever
equalled on such occasions. Teams sent to Flint River and returned at
night with the remaining four guns, and parked in proper positions.
Rumor of a rebel cavalry force advancing. Two regiments gone out, others
under orders.

[Sidenote: 1864 Camp Routine]

Huntsville, Wednesday, Jan. 27. Reveille sounded at 5:30 A. M. Roll call
at 6 A. M. Blankets to be hung out for airing, quarters swept out and
surroundings. Clothes to be brushed off and blankets to be doubled up
and laid at the head of the bed in time for camp inspection at 9 A. M.
by officer of the day, which to-day is Lieutenant Amsden, 12th Battery.
Guard mounted at 8 A. M. in front of headquarters by Lieutenant Simpson,
acting adjutant for the Battalion. 9 A. M. fell in for drill. Drilled
for two hours in company by General * * *. The grounds are getting
smoothed off and hard as a floor. 12 M. roll call. Dinner from the
section cooks. 2 P. M. another two hours' drill in squads under the
chief of pieces.

5 P. M. Formed in for dress parade in rear of the tents, in front of
Captain's tent, our Battery on the right, Cogswell's on the left, and
12th in the center. After i