tting forth new life. The
soldiers with the rest took up the spirit, and the camp was lively with
outdoor spirits all day. Horses turned out to picket, but little grass
for them, yet I was detailed to watch them in the afternoon,
consequently did not drill. Heard from friend Evie, my mate, carried up
by one of the boys. He is doing well and enjoying himself. I would like
to go out there to him. I don't like to live alone very well. Large
mail, but none for me this time.

Huntsville, Friday, April 8. A fine day. Drill as usual. Played ball
spare time in the morning. Wrote to brother Thomas in the afternoon.
Pleasant task when my mind is tranquil. 48th and detachment of 59th
Indiana went out at 4 P. M. to reinforce Whitesburg, it is supposed.
Deserters say that the enemy is reinforcing heavily and making
preparations to throw a pontoon bridge across the river some dark night.
Rumor says John Morgan was in town lately with a load of wood. If so, I
don't think our sixteen pieces on Russell Hill looked very encouraging
to him. Come on, John, we are ready.

Huntsville, Saturday, April 9. Cloudy and showery. A train of sixty
wagons started out for forage for the artillery, a detail of forty men
sent from each battery, having but a small squad in camp. What few
there were, on fatigue all the forenoon, husking and overhauling corn
pile, rain beating and spoiling it. Policed camp thoroughly in the
afternoon and I was sent with two others after load of wood. By night I
was quite tired. Received a large mail. I was blessed with two fine ones
from Hannah and Thomas. Did me a heap of good.

Huntsville, Sunday, April 10. Beautiful weather. A "big scare" up this
morning, expecting the Rebs in from the other side of the river.
Orderlies said to be running all night. Early this morning Captain
Dillon reported to headquarters for further intelligence, leaving orders
to allow nobody to leave camp. Teams from Whitesburg returned after
rations. The boys then were kept at their posts all night. Foraging
trains came in early half loaded. The roads very bad. Went to town in
the afternoon but there was no church. Returned and read Bartlett's
Sermon in _Covenant_, which was much better.

Huntsville, Monday, April 11. Spent the day in the usual way. Two hours'
gun drill in the morning, then game of ball; an hour company drill in
the afternoon; a game or two of chess, then parade 4 P. M.; reading,
writing, the remainder of the time till