train
of hard-tack to take care of itself. The train coming up to the station,
we watered our horses in the Wolf River.

Near Germantown, Friday, Jan. 2. To-day we expected to rest at least and
made arrangements accordingly, but as the Company were on their horses
to go to water, the orders came to march at 10 A. M., so we were obliged
to water our horses double quick, and hitched up in all haste. Retraced
our track the day before, arrived at Germantown by sundown, but pushed
on six.... Went to bed 11 P. M.

Buntyn Station, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 3. Awoke to find ourselves snugly
lying in from two to three inches of water, it having rained very hard,
the water coming in under the tent while most of the others lay out
doors completely soaked. Hitched and took to the road with the hope
that we were to go to Memphis, nine miles distant. As Quinby's Division
was detailed to guard the railroad, the troops were strung all along. We
went to within five miles of town, then taking a position on the track
with the 48th Indiana at a station called Buntyn Station, Colonel
Alexander as acting brigadier general. Received stringent orders not to
molest anything, rails included. Put up harness, racks, etc. preparatory
for a stay.

[Sidenote: 1863 In Winter Camp]

Buntyn Station, Sunday, Jan. 4. A busy day for the boys of the 6th
Battery, as they were in expectation of staying in the place for some
time. Harness racks, feed troughs, shebangs, tables, etc. were put up
from lumber carried some forty rods, where it had been stored with the
intention of building. The tents were floored mostly. S. E. Sweet,
Sampson Beaver, E. W. Evans and myself built a house 6 by 8, 2 ft. high
lower end, with a fireplace in the side. Stood guard. Very pleasant
evening.

Buntyn Station, Monday, Jan. 5. Sabres were brightened for inspection at
2 P. M. Order read from General Hamilton stating that Van Dorn was
concentrating at Pontotoc for another raid on this railroad, and ordered
that stockades be built along the road, and that we be on the alert. No
parole to be taken from any cavalry force. The raid to be resisted while
there was a musket and cartridge left. 4 P. M. mail came in, a sack
full, the first for nearly 20 days. Oh! the welcome it received. Heard
from father, brother and four sisters. Welcome! welcome! indeed. 1st
piece planted on the track pointing south.

Buntyn Station, Tuesday, Jan. 6. Rained in the night. Rec'd some more
mai