He had a large audience and spoke for nearly an hour in his illiterate
brogue, the burden of his words were quotations. Though improperly done,
was evidence of a wonderful memory. Rebs reported fighting at Dalton.
Demanded surrender. Captured large number of cattle at Adairsville. 5th
Ohio Cavalry and 59th Indiana went up the river early this morning in
order to be ready to fight.

[Sidenote: 1864 Communications Threatened]

Etowah Bridge, Monday, Aug. 15. Cannoneers called out this morning at 3
A. M. Stood by their guns till daylight. Some anxiety felt as to affairs
at Dalton and vicinity. Wheeler's Cavalry is in the vicinity, reported
on all sides, nothing reliable. 59th Indiana recalled last night.
Returned by 10 P. M. No trains going either way. Two trains of wounded
came up yesterday, were unloaded at Cartersville. One of trains sent to
Kingston to carry reinforcements; other back to the fort. Infantry under
arms all day. First piece under Lieutenant Jenawein ordered 2 P. M. to
report at Division headquarters. 3 o'clock a train loaded with infantry
(homeward bound) came up from the front. Will reinforce our troops at
Dalton if necessary. 5 P. M. 93rd Illinois arrived on train from
Allatoona, stopped here, took on the 48th. General Smith going back with
seven regiments.

Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 16. A heavy uncertainty rested upon the
camp all day, no trains from either way. Headquarters expecting an
attack at this place momentarily. First piece is in town there awaiting
the foe. About 3 P. M. an orderly dashed into camp reporting sixteen
regiments of the enemy crossing the river three miles below, but they
did not come. Sherman sent 300 muskets back this evening to arm
convalescents, etc. Seven hundred head of cattle (the remainder of the
drove that the rebs captured at Adairsville) stopped on the flat over
night. It is supposed that the rebs will try to destroy the railroad
bridge if possible. Notwithstanding war Lieutenant Clark and squad of
armed men went out to peach orchard ten miles and returned with a big
load of delicious ones. Packed my knapsack preparatory to going South if
necessary. Doubtful.

Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Aug. 17. Night passed undisturbed with us, but
all was activity at Cartersville nearly all night. Wagon trains loaded,
standing hitched up ready to move any moment. On fatigue duty this
morning. Went out after two loads of corn fodder, returned by 11 A. M.
The day was spent