tery man two guns
of the 10th Ohio on our left. In spite of "war's threatening aspect" we
have had to-day a pleasing remembrance of home in the shape of roast
turkey and other goodies sent to Milt. for Thanksgiving dinner.

Fort Gillem, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 1. After a refreshing sleep in the
open air of heaven, we were again awakened 4 A. M. to wait and watch the
batteries. The day is exceedingly hot, more like September than
December. We hear of a heavy battle yesterday at Franklin, eighteen
miles distant. Reports say, that the enemy were severely punished, but
the maneuvering here seems to indicate preparations for fight. Night is
again with us after a day of inactivity. With the last rays of the
setting sun, a string of mules again came to move us, and we are taken a
half mile west, and left near Fort Gillem in disorder. Ordered to sleep
as best we can in places of our own choice.

Fort Gillem, Friday, Dec. 2. Slept on boards inside the fort last night,
guns outside. A gentle rain fell in the after part of the night, but not
enough to penetrate our blankets. All our camp and garrison equipage
brought here during the night, and pitched tents this morning. Luckily
our stove was saved, and it now gives us comfort. Wet and rainy all day.
The fort is garrisoned by 14th Ohio Battery and 10th Tennessee Infantry,
a splendid work.

We lay just outside yet. 10th Ohio Battery boys have come back from
river, thereby relieving us from their guns. We know nothing definite of
Hood and his forces. He is reported to be moving on to Murfreesboro. He
has thought it best not to try Nashville, after his signal defeat at
Franklin on the 30th. Our foes are fallen back and are now in line of
battle about three miles from town. Artillery firing has been distinctly
heard this afternoon. Mail received and "Good News from Home"; all well.

[Sidenote: 1864 Camp at Night]

After night I walked out and had a splendid view of our camp in the
dark, which is always to me a grand and sublime sight. About a mile and
a half from us the advance line string from one hill to another as far
as we can see on either side, stretching from water to water, with their
countless fires. Would that I had the artist's skill to represent this
scene with its seas of glittering starlike fires. And when I think of
the thousands of brave boys that gather around them, patiently awaiting
the foe, it becomes sacred to me and fills my soul with reverence to the
Supr