p. Made him some
toast for breakfast, but he could not eat much. Mustered for pay and
inspection at 12 M. The last muster of the kind for many of the boys,
over which they were quite jubilant. 1st Battalion of 1st Cavalry
mustered out of service to-day. John Colburn, a one-year recruit,
substitute for Senator Wilkinson, arrived from Wisconsin. Sergt. Alba S.
Sweet down on a visit from Kingston, looks well. Railroad reported
broken between Chattanooga and Nashville. No mail. Felt lonesome and sad
to-night. It is not often I feel as gloomy.

Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 1. Cold night, rested well. On guard,
third relief. Pain over my eye continues very bad. Griff is improving.
Sergeant Hood went out with a squad on pass. When they returned, several
of them were too drunk to take care of themselves, having obtained
whiskey at Allatoona. Too bad. Forage train went out this morning.

While scouting, about 3 P. M. one of General Smith's body-guards,
riding a little in the advance, was shot dead by some cowardly
bushwhackers, stripped of all valuables, boots and hat, leaving the
corpse in the road, taking two other prisoners. It was the last day the
poor fellow had to serve, expecting soon to start for his home in St.
Louis. He was one of the brave men that once composed Fremont's
body-guard. His loved ones will wait for his coming in vain. The escort
started out in the evening with full determination to avenge the death
of their comrade, if possible. No mail. Wheeler is still in possession
of Nashville Railroad at Tullahoma. Captain Dillon acting chief of
artillery on General Logan's staff. ---- court-martialed by Division
court for old offence at Jackson.

Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 2. A hot and dull day. David Evans and
myself visited the picket post this morning with our coffee, rations and
liquor to trade with the female rebs that come with produce, guards not
admitting them inside the lines any more. Tried to get some butter, but
in vain, there being too many purchasers, who were returning as we went.
No mail or papers. "Old Wheeler" still holds the road near Nashville.
Rumors are afloat of the capture of Atlanta. General Sherman's army, not
known where it is.

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Sept. 3. A hot, sultry morning. Severe storm of
wind and rain in the afternoon, threatening to tear our quarters to
pieces. Everything wet and damp. Sherman is fighting Hood southwest of
Atlanta. 20th Army Corps is in possess