retreat at 8 P. M. when I made
down my cot. In the quiet of alone I lay down, a few yearning thoughts
of home, mother, etc. and all is oblivion till reveille calls me forth
from the land of nod. A little after noon we were startled by a terrible
explosion near the depot. A caisson of the Illinois Battery had exploded
while returning from drill, killing six cannoneers instantly and
wounding two. A very sad affair. Bodies torn to shreds.

Huntsville, Tuesday, April 12. Clouds and sunshine struggled for
supremacy all day, neither having possession long at a time. Drew
clothing. I got a new blouse and pants. Brigade guard was mounted
together this morning on our parade ground, infantry and artillery, by
the 1st Brigade staff officer, a band of fifes and drums acting as
Brigade band in absence of a brass one. All was ordered to be put slick
this afternoon again, dishes washed, cooking utensils scoured, etc. The
medical director of the camp inspected us at 4 P. M.

[Sidenote: 1864 Review]

Huntsville, Wednesday, April 13. A delightful day for the great review
that took place at 2 P. M. of the remnant of the 3rd Division that is
left here. We had no horses to take out our Battery, but went as drivers
on one of our caissons with the Illinois Battery to fill the place of
the one that was "blowed up" Monday. The imposing line was formed on the
race course consisting of five regiments of infantry and two batteries.
The bands rolled out their cheers as Generals McPherson, Logan and
Smith, with their respective staffs, rode down the lines, on gay steeds
glittering with their military embellishments. After they rode by, they
took a position in front, and we passed in review, artillery in front,
in column of sections followed by infantry in divisions. Returned to
camp, each impressed with the prospect of a move, which heretofore has
always been the result in this army.

Sixteen of Cogswell's Battery veterans left for home this morning. The
Nashville and Stevenson R. R. is abandoned, and all the transportation
runs through here via Decatur, upwards of ten trains each way. Mail
train arrives 9 P. M.

Huntsville, Thursday, April 14. The camps were aroused last night at
midnight, ordered to dress and be ready to turn out at a moment's
warning. I got up, lit a candle, packed up my knapsack and Evie's. Put
everything ready and laid down again. Did not wake till the breakfast
call sounded. Found the sun shining pleasantly and "na