,
autographs or anything as a remembrance foolish. I walked with friend
Evie to train, intending to see him off, but the train did not come, and
I too had to say good-bye. It was the hardest task I have performed
since tearing myself from the arms of a dear mother on the threshold of
my old home in Wisconsin. But I took their kind "Take care of yourself"
and turned my back. I must say a few tears did fall, but not from any
regret at staying behind. I return to camp cheerfully to do my duty. But
oh, it did look very lonesome.

Etowah Bridge, Monday, Sept. 26. Everything was so very still this
morning that I did not wake up till roll call, and then there were but
very few to be seen, only thirty-four for duty, which will be very
heavy. Worked hard all day cleaning the stables. Boys have not left yet,
as no train came from the front. Griff and I were down with them this
evening for a while.

Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Sept. 27. Was happy to learn that the boys got
off last night. On water detail this morning, then went and stayed with
R. L. Booth in the hospital, who is very sick. His brother had to leave
him, did not know whether he could live an hour or not as he was very
low. Cousin Griff and Dan Davis both put into the same platoon as myself
and stay in the same shebang, making a very cozy little circle.

Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Sept. 28. On guard, second relief. Everything
so very quiet that it was very lonesome. Lieutenant Simpson is steadily
but firmly tightening the reins, and instituting strict discipline.
Guards instructed to walk their beats. If caught seated to be punished.
Only ten minutes allowed to turn out at reveille. Heavy details at work
all day cleaning out stables, etc. Camp policed. Griff left us to cook
in hospital. Railroad again severed somewhere. Our Brigade ordered to
erect winter quarters. Long train sent out for lumber ten miles down the
river. Our teams went along.

[Sidenote: 1864 Watching Hood]

Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 29. Damp and disagreeable to stand guard
last night. Felt dull, ate no breakfast. Went to picket post this
morning, bought a quart of buttermilk, 25 cts. per quart, which with
bread at 15 cents per loaf, I made a homelike dinner. Took our team to
graze in the afternoon. Found Chattanooga papers of to-day in camp on
return, but nothing from the North. Hood's whole army reported to be on
their way north to sever Sherman's communications, which seems very
prob