all day for slight mistake at guard mount this morning. Weather still
continues beautiful. Rebel cavalry still reported in the front, very
active. Two regiments went out late last night.

Huntsville, Saturday, Jan. 30. Little rain to-day. Very fine, like
spring. No drill, and rain prevented parade in the evening. Orders to
prepare for knapsack inspection to-morrow morning 8 A. M. Lieutenant
Simpson at morning roll-call told us he was going to furnish us with
brush and blacking, and desired all to appear with polished boots and
equal our neighbors of the 12th, but could not obtain a second lot. Dr.
Coleman sent for D. J. D. and myself, and presented us with a can of
condensed milk for building up his chimney. His name ought to be written
in letters of gold as one of a thousand, the friend of the private.

[Sidenote: 1864 Sabbath in Camp]

Huntsville, Sunday, Jan. 31. Sunday morning dawned as bright and
beautiful as though it was in the spring of the year. Knapsack
inspection 8 A. M. by Lieutenants Simpson and Jenawein. 9 A. M. guard
mounted and I was on the first relief. Formed in front of headquarters.
Opened ranks and underwent a close inspection, after which we were
marched to the guard house in front of the Battery. Relieved the old
guards, where we were obliged to remain for the next twenty-four hours.
Most of the boys attended church at town, but with me the hours wore
heavily upon my hands. My comrades amused themselves in boisterous games
of cards. Profanity used in a fearful degree, thoughtlessly and
heedlessly. I endeavored to write a letter to sister Jane in the
afternoon, but met with poor success, and when I was called on to walk
my beat in calm twilight I felt relieved, and a thousand pleasant dreams
and anticipations crowded upon my memory. Received a letter from brother
John written one week ago. He was surrounded by the benign influence of
a quiet home and carried with it like feeling to my longing spirit.

Huntsville, Monday, Feb. 1. Very heavy rain last night accompanied with
strong wind, and my last turn from three to five was very uncomfortable.
Cleared off early and we had a fine day. Excused from drill in forenoon.
Dress parade and battery drill at 4 P. M. Put us through on quick time,
which was wearisome. Broke ranks to eat a supper of sour, clammy bread
and coffee, which of course caused dissatisfaction among the boys. Mail
arrived, but none for me.

Huntsville, Tuesday, Feb. 2. Mon