ent to the fort to-day. Nearly done except inside blasting
rocks, etc. A band of twenty men arrived from Brodhead, Wisconsin, last
evening to be assigned to 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps.
Early in the evening they opened in front of 12th Battery headquarters,
formed in a circle, and in the gentle twilight played numerous airs,
patriotic and melancholy; the sweetest of all, "Home Sweet Home". The
green was covered with soldiers, lying at full length, dreamily enjoying
the sweet music, forgetful of all the past, in blissful forgetfulness of
all things real. The instruments were of German silver, making a very
good appearance. May they serve us with such a treat often.

[Sidenote: 1864 Expecting Forrest]

Madison Station, Ala., Tuesday, May 17. 9 A. M. the long train of empty
cars on their way to Nashville. Packed up in great haste with the report
that Madison Station was in the hands of the rebels, ten miles distant
from here. The long rolls were immediately sounded in infantry camp.
Orderlies hastened with orders. First Section in moving order in ten
minutes. Soon both Batteries hitched up. 12th Battery went up to the
fort. We waited for orders. Impression prevailed that it was the onset
of Forrest for Huntsville. 11 A. M. the 59th Indiana went out on the
open cars towards the Station in high spirits and deafening cheers. 18th
Wisconsin called from Whitesburg and two companies of 10th Missouri from
Flint River.

4 P. M. our Battery ordered aboard train, three days' rations, one
blanket. Raining very heavy ever since noon. Guns were put in flat cars,
horses in freight cars, and at 5 P. M. we started under Colonel
Alexander. As the train left the depot, loud cheers arose from the
soldier boys. Returned by the waving of handkerchiefs from windows. At
dusk we halted at the smouldering ruins of Madison Depot, burned down
and occupied by stragglers of the 13th Illinois. The 59th and four
companies of 13th followed the raiders towards the river. Rain fell in
torrents while we hurriedly unloaded. Got in moving condition at 9 P. M.
and started. Very dark. I was left with forage that was to go back to
Huntsville on train. Expecting to return to camp soon, I allowed E. W.
E. to take my blanket, but after they left, 10 P. M., was told the train
would not return till morning. Closed the car and lay on the wet sacks
with only a rubber over me. On guard night before. Quite sleepy.

Madison Station, Wednesday, May 18