ome dare to dive. So many would like the
diving that it is a pity that a little money can't be expended here.
However, the water is fine, even if it is now getting so cold that some
of the men are giving up their swim. We often have surf here, when the
southeast wind quarters across the bay all the way from Burlington, and
then the fun is notable.

The scene at the foot of the pier particularly struck me today, after the
men were out. There were nearly a hundred of them in a rather narrow
compass, so close to each other, on the boulders of the beach, that they
reminded me of the pictures one sees of big birds in their colonies. The
men were naked, and every one in active motion, rubbing down. The sight
of so much brown and pink skin, of so many moving bodies and arms and
legs, was most peculiar and amusing.

The list of company officers has been published. Two of our best
sergeants becoming lieutenants, other sergeants have been named, and the
list of corporals and sub-squad-leaders has been fixed. In our squad
Bannister and Reardon stand as before. Ban quietly told us that he was
glad to get the appointment. "I had my eye on you," he said to Knudsen,
"and on you," to me. "This will please my old father: he was a corporal
in the Civil War." And good Ban forgot us as he thought of the
satisfaction of the old man at home.

Tonight at conference we were given definite details of the scheme for
reimbursing us for our travelling expenses and our mess. The government
will repay those who take the oath of allegiance--and everyone is hunting
for the nigger in the woodpile. There is so general a sentiment that the
War Department tricked the militia into taking the oath of six years'
service before starting for Texas, that none of us cares to be caught
promising too much. But I feel that the form of oath, which was read
aloud tonight, is pretty straightforward. We enlist only for the period
of the camp, and for instruction only. I shall take the oath. If before
the period is over the government takes us away for service anywhere, I
suppose there will be an emergency to justify it.

We were also given additional facts regarding the hike. Having so small a
regiment, yet having the baggage train of the large August camp, we are
to go on the longest hike yet, eleven days on the road and in the field,
ten nights in the pup-tents. We are sorting our belongings to take or to
leave, and David is wondering how he can carry all his exqu