effulgent rays light up all the dark corners of our
land. That light, is the light of Liberty and Union.

But to our Battery.

We were now camped in the woods near Elk river, and there was but little
prospect of our very soon getting out, as it rained almost uninterruptedly
for several days, making our condition far from enviable. Our wagons,
which had been left at Manchester, arrived early in the morning, as also
did the train from Murfreesboro with provisions, which was hailed with
delight. But still we were to be kept on half rations, as we had been for
some time back.

During the afternoon the writer of this received two boxes of "good
things" from home, and the men all gathered around him with open mouths
and straining eyes.

There being a little "mountain dew" in one of the boxes, on inspection, it
made some of the men feel in better spirits, and rather more patriotic.

Thus passed the 4th of July, 1863.

Tuesday, July 7th. About five o'clock in the afternoon cannonading was
heard in the direction of Tullahoma, and from the regularity of the firing
it was supposed to be occasioned by some good news. In a short time after,
firing was heard much nearer, and evidently in General Thomas's Corps,
which was encamped on the opposite side of Elk river. One half hour later,
the joyful news was received of the capture of Vicksburg, and the entire
Rebel army of that place. The news spread like wild-fire through the camp,
and every one was in high glee. Good news was also received from the army
of the Potomac, which was now under the command of Major-General Meade.

Wednesday, July 8th. Early this morning received word to prepare for a
move. Some of the batteries in our division fired a salute in honor of the
victory achieved at Vicksburg. About half-past 7, we got started, and
moved towards Manchester. The roads were in a horrible condition, and it
was with difficulty that we were enabled to proceed. We passed through the
town of Hillsboro, and here General Woods's division went into camp while
we pushed forward, and at 4 o'clock in the afternoon reached Manchester,
a small town on the Chattanooga and Nashville railroad, and went into
camp.

Our tents were pitched on the same ground that we formerly occupied, and
on the following day we commenced clearing up and regulating the place, as
it was evident that we were to remain here for several days. Shades of
evergreens were erected over the tents, and the ground being