Chattanooga, Friday, May 5. No rain to cool the terrible air or lay the
dust, which flies in heavy clouds, reminding one very vividly of old
Spring Green prairie. Have been very busy all day, could not find time
to write a letter. 7 A. M. went out for brigade drill by Major
Mendenhall, but he did not come, so we had an interesting drill of our
own. A. Sweet is bringing the Company up to its old Rienzi standard in
drilling. Great strife among the detachments, both trying to come into
battery first. Second piece is ready first every time. Returned to camp
by 11, another hour in column to water and back.

[Sidenote: 1865 A Neighborly "Lift"]

After dinner went out to Mission Ridge after wood, two wagons and four
men. At the picket post our gallant driver took up two of the fair ones,
who after enjoying their quid of tobacco silently for a mile or so, said
the ride "holped 'em right smart." Drilled two hours after supper.
Ration day. Drew two days' rations of bread and three of hard-tack, no
more soft bread to be issued. They want us to eat the surplus hard-tack.
This is considered significant.

Chattanooga, Saturday, May 6. No rain yet to settle the dust, which has
been flying in blinding clouds all day, very hot and sultry. Policed
camp and stables this afternoon instead of drill. "What is the news" is
yet the cry, and stray bits of rumors are caught and devoured with
avidity.

Chattanooga, Sunday, May 7. A very hot day, still dusty. Had the usual
morning inspection. Grazed in the afternoon. Camp more quiet than it has
been for some days. Wrote a letter to John and Hannah. Mounted guard at
retreat, as corporal this time again, Hayes sick. Found nice patch of
ripe strawberries to-day.

Chattanooga, Monday, May 8. The cooling rain drops have been falling in
a refreshing shower all day. Have done my guard duty once more. How many
more times must I go on before I will be relieved from this machine
life? Will my mind ever be allowed to dictate the movements of the body
again? I hope so. I have received an interesting letter from my old bunk
mate, Evie. Have written him two full sheets in return.

Chattanooga, Tuesday, May 9. Very much pleasanter after yesterday's
rain. Drilled to-day in camp twice. No orders disposing of us poor
"critters" received yet, although much expected. Great dissatisfaction
exists among the veterans in regard to the government mustering out all
the sick soldiers, recruits, etc. except t