er. In the
afternoon we went to work to tear down our single bunks and put up some
double bunks on one side. Made cupboard, etc. More comfortable and snug.
Bathed in the evening. All merry way into the night before we could
sober down enough to go to sleep. Light-hearted and unconcerned about
all things. Such is a soldier if he lives.

Etowah Bridge, Friday, Aug. 5. A pleasant day. On guard, third relief.
After waiting all day, paymaster came about 4 P. M. and in a few minutes
our greenbacks were counted out for the months of May and July, sixteen
dollars per month for the first time.

[Sidenote: 1864 Merit and Favoritism]

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Aug. 6. Very pleasant time. On guard last night
and this morning. Relieved at 9 A. M. Days busy settling up, paying,
dunning, changing, etc. I have no such work to do. Sergt. Alba Sweet,
veteran, ordered to Kingston to take charge of a section of artillery.
His men to be detailed from infantry, he to drill and organize, the
position of a lieutenant. A good boy and a true soldier, best drill
master in the Battery. D. L. C. a recruit, detailed as clerk to
headquarters, which caused a little surprise among some of the old
soldiers, but he was a brother Mason.

Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Aug. 7. Very heavy rains last night, river raised
two feet this morning in a very few hours. Company inspection at 7 A. M.
Took sick man's team to graze. Wrote letters in the afternoon. Very
warm.

Etowah Bridge, Monday, Aug. 8. A pleasant day of clouds and sunshine in
pleasing variety. Cannoneers called out this morning for standing gun
drill. I went out with a team. Two wagons sent out in brigade train for
forage ten miles. Returned by 3 P. M. Two negroes came in this morning
from McCook's disaster on the Macon Railroad, having been eight days in
the woods, subsisting upon blackberries, peaches, etc. Having tasted
freedom once, they will not succumb to the degradation of slavery again.
P. G. a big reckless dare devil, who had been tied up the last five days
for persisting in doing as he pleased, was released, and a tender youth,
unaccustomed to the hard buffeting of a heartless world, tied instead
for trespassing upon the dignity of our stable sergeant.

Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 9. Rainy day. Drilled one hour on gun this
morning. Issued clothing for the month. I drew a hat in which to brave
the storms of another campaign (maybe). Infantry had regimental
inspection in the aftern