t was formed by Simpson, Captain took us
through battalion drill for half an hour, very strict. When we broke
ranks I was quite tired and almost footsore from drilling. Indeed, it
gives us little time to ourselves. Cars came in this afternoon for the
first time, the whistle of the engine responded to by a hundred cheers
by the boys. Cavalry came in, reported the rebels repulsed.

Huntsville, Thursday, Jan. 28. Up bright and early as usual. Breakfast,
swept, brushed, washed, combed, etc. ready for the routine of duty, when
I was notified that I was on detail to go with the forage train, which
was then waiting. Fell in with a long train under quartermaster of 18th
Wisconsin. Went on the turnpike to the west, travelled about eight miles
through a somewhat winding road, but beautiful country. It was rolling
enough to make it varied, with good timber where not cultivated. Old
fields containing 50 to 600 acres lying idle, apparently for three years
or more, which was running wild into prairie. The general appearance of
the country was much like extensive farming regions. North of them were
wealthy Southern plantations, much more attention being paid to grain
raising than to cotton. Numerous stacks of wheat were stacked
unthreshed, and broad fields of corn unhusked, the land under a medium
state of cultivation. I could but think with Northern enterprise and
intelligence, with free and willing hands to do the work, what lovely
and fruitful farms could be built in such a delightful climate. Obtained
plenty of corn on a large plantation which all the whites had left,
leaving a large flock of negro women and children unprovided for, and
seemed delighted to see us until some of the boys took unallowed
privileges of the chicken coop, which they earnestly protested against.
Returned to camp at sundown well pleased with my ride of sixteen miles
and my observations therein, having also escaped the drill, etc. Camp
had again been swept up, ammunition packed in gun limbers. Lieutenant
Clark gone to Nashville after horses. Lieutenant Jenawein in command of
Battery and appeared to-day with shoulder straps on for the first time.
Looks fine and soldier-like.

Huntsville, Friday, Jan. 29. Drilled Company. Drilled under Jenawein in
forenoon and afternoon. Parade at 4:30 P. M. Captain put us through for
about thirty minutes on quick time and appeared well pleased with the
maneuvering. He is getting very strict. One of the boys on extra duty