ing.

[Sidenote: 1864 Death of McPherson]

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, July 23. Charlie Pickard took his team to-day,
thereby relieving me once more from driver's duty. Went out on detail in
the morning after lumber for cook's shanty. Returned by noon. Heard the
sad news that Maj. Gen. J. B. McPherson was killed by the enemy this
morning, which spread gloom over all, yet we could not believe it as we
looked at the flag at Brigade headquarters still floating from the top
of its pole. But alas! it lowers and stops at half mast and droops
mournfully in sad significance. Ah yes, it is too true.

Our beloved leader has offered up his life--a martyr to freedom. In his
death the Army of Tennessee has lost a gallant commander, the cause of
freedom a true and earnest supporter, humanity a noble Christian
gentleman, and the private soldier one of his truest and warmest
friends. Never did I see such a gloom cast upon our camp. Every face
wore a sad and mournful appearance. One would hardly think the rough
unfeeling soldier would undergo such a change. But to one that had seen
the enthusiasm that his beaming face created in the bosoms of the men on
the bloody fields of Jackson, Champion Hills and Vicksburg, knows too
well the place he has taken in our hearts. Sleep, noble leader. We have
often watched thee in the thickest of the fight, and honored thy
heroism. We will cherish thy memory while breath remains. May we all
emulate his example. 3 P. M. a train from the front brought the earthly
remains of him and Gen. Giles A. Smith, the dashing brigade commander in
the 2nd Division, 15th Corps. Had monthly inspection 9 A. M. by Captains
Dillon and Budlong.

Etowah Bridge, Sunday, July 24. All very still and dull in camp after
morning inspection. Anxiously listening for intelligence from the front.
From the last reliable information we received last night, Atlanta was
not ours, terrible efforts being made by General Hood, commanding rebel
forces to retake his lost position. Heavy cannonading could be heard for
an hour this morning, supposed to be in front.

2 P. M. While writing home, the long roll was sounded, and the infantry
fell in with arms, and we were ordered to be ready for fight. The
cavalry seen galloping over the hills. Waited half an hour, when the men
returned to their quarters, the scare being over. Proved to be a squad
of guerrillas, estimated at 150, which rushed upon one of our picket
posts west of town, capturing