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Huntsville, Monday, May 2. A cold, windy day for this time of the year.
At night a fire was very comfortable. Expect to move camp nearer to town
soon so as to shorten the picket line. The left wing of the 16th Corps
under Dodge was moving in all day. Stood on the roadside most of the
afternoon, the first time we were ever permitted to see a moving column
without ourselves forming a part of it. 25th Wisconsin passed. Many of
our boys found acquaintances and friends. In the same Brigade was a
regiment of Yanks all the way from Jersey, regular blue-blood Yankees.
Made a strange appearance in their leggins and yellow tassels.
Physically made a poor comparison by the side of our sturdy Western
boys.

Huntsville, Tuesday, May 3. Infantry broke up camp early this morning
and went into camp nearer to town. After dinner we hitched up and packed
up leaving our old camp under guard, where we have spent nearly four
months. Came into battery near the depot on the race course, a large
open green, very pretty for summer quarters, but rather low for wet
weather. 48th and 59th Indiana camped on our right, 12th Battery on
left. Teams hauling down lumber, etc. for quarters.

Huntsville, Wednesday, May 4. All hands worked nimbly and willingly
to-day to make themselves comfortable. Tents raised one foot from ground
with ample means for ventilation. Fixed ours up in the forenoon. Made
four single bunks occupied by Sergeant Dixon, Corporals Beaver and
Evans, and myself. Detailed to help move the hospital in the afternoon.
Contains five patients, two convalescing, one a recruit very low. At
night I sought my cot quite tired, the weather being exceedingly warm.

Huntsville, Thursday, May 5. On guard, second relief. Our camp is very
nicely located. A pretty brook runs in front of the Battery which the
boys have dammed up to make deep enough for a pleasant bath. Water to
cook and drink is hauled from the "big spring". The almost ceaseless
rattle of trains keeps us wide awake as yet. Upwards of forty trains
passed to-day, the whistle disturbing our slumbers at every hour of the
night. 4th Minnesota Veteran Volunteers returned from home. Health very
good.

Huntsville, Friday, May 6. A warm and active day for all. Guard house
put up. Harness racks, a shade over the horses of brush and evergreens,
oven, cook house, and mess tables to be built, bringing all on duty. Was
put on duty with but four hours of rest from guard. Have been o