to avoid conscription and rob the soldier of his hard-earned money. Let
them dig alongside the but slightly darker complected baker and hotel
waiter. I was on guard, which this time, is a day of rest, very
acceptable. I was quite tired, almost sick. An exciting report arrived
that Butler was in Richmond, received 11 A. M. But little credence
placed on it, though.

Huntsville, Friday, May 13. A cold, chilly night. On guard. The hours
passed tedious to me, as I felt quite unwell. Did not go to work on the
fort to-day. In the afternoon, ditched around the stable. 14th Illinois
Regiment, the advance of the 17th Corps, arrived this morning from
Athens. Report the whole Corps falling under General Blair. General
Crocker in town. Three trains of wounded passed North last night and
this morning. Good news from Sherman. McPherson in their rear. Reports
dubious from Grant. Forrest accidentally ran against the 17th Corps on
his way here, and lost all his artillery. Guess he won't bother us any
more.

Huntsville, Saturday, May 14. Worked hard on fort all day, it fast
approaching completion. Rifle pits are being dug completely around it,
enfilading all the principal streets of the town. All the contrabands
out. One volunteer citizen has been at work three days, honorable
exception. Another sprig of chivalry working with the negroes under
guard for saying that no "d----n Yankee could make him work". Yankee
bayonet did it though. Reports of struggle fierce and wild still reach
us from Grant. Highly successful but the slaughter is terrible. One year
ago to-day we entered the haughty capital of Mississippi after deadly
fight.

Huntsville, Sunday, May 15. Quiet, tranquil Sabbath day. For once I was
not on guard Sunday, so I attended Sabbath school at 9 A. M. A very
interesting class, with the soldiers taught by an intelligent Northern
man connected with the quartermaster's department. Waited till sermon,
10:30 A. M. Listened to a miserable, inconsistent discourse from an
itinerant Methodist preacher, a violent rebel apparently at that. In the
evening took a stroll through the town to admire the beautiful blooming
grounds and yards. Visited the Calhoun yard, where the pest house is now
kept. Saw specimens of that vegetable curiosity called the "century
plant", about four feet high, with large fluffy leaves like petals, with
little sign of life.

Huntsville, Monday, May 16. On guard, first relief. All very quiet. No
detail s