nged, but yet
the same.

And this is not all the change. I left them without a place to call
home, but found them situated in a lovely location, a pleasant house and
expanding fields, for which I felt very thankful. But there was no time
left for such thoughts that evening. Among other kindnesses I had bread
and milk.

Spring Green, Tuesday, July 4. A happy day to the happy family. Fourteen
of us filled the old family wagon and crossed the river to Spring Green
where I met several of my Battery chums. A pleasant picnic passed off
here for the benefit of the soldier boys. It was great gratification to
know that our old friends welcomed us home so cordially. I read the
Declaration of Independence and Reverend Phillips addressed.

Madison, Thursday, July 6. In accordance to orders I reported at Madison
in company with Sister Mary and Brother John. Found an officer with
great difficulty and was told that I was not needed until the 11th.

Mazomanie, Wis., Monday, July 10. Another family load of us attended the
Equescurriculum [circus] at Mazomanie, intending to go into Madison in
the evening, but word was sent that they don't want us till the 13th.

Spring Green, Thursday, July 13. Have been on a two days' visit amongst
my old associates of Spring Green. Was to go in to Madison from there
for my discharge, but they are not ready now till Monday. So it goes. I
am going into the harvest field to work.

Madison, Monday, July 17. According to orders the 6th Battery was once
more together in Madison by 2 P. M. anxious for the final action which
places each upon an equality with the other. But disappointment appears
to be the rule; to-morrow, 10 A. M., is the time.

[Illustration: 6th Wisconsin Battery Reunion--Richland Center, Wis.,
Aug. 27, 1897]

[Sidenote: 1865 Mustered Out]

Madison, Tuesday, July 18. The rolls have returned with Lieutenant
Colonel Giddings' (mustering officer) signature annexed, and the
military tie which bound us together as the 6th Battery has ceased to
exist.

10 A. M. we assembled once more and in the yard in front of Captain
Simpson's office, in the city of Madison, signed the final pay rolls,
and received the much-coveted scrip "Discharge", bearing date of July
18. "Mustered out of United States service on the 3rd of July". It was
not an hour of noisy demonstration, but happiness too sweet for
utterance prevails, the emotion of thankfulness filling the dullest
breast, "Free! Fr