pon me not only the hatred
and curses of the soldiers tried and punished, but in some instances the
ill-will also of their fathers, who for years were my neighbors and
friends.

Very many of these soldiers think they should be allowed to work when
they please, play when they please, and, in short, do as they please.
Until this idea is expelled from their minds the regiment will be but
little if any better than a mob.

7. We hear of the Colonel occasionally. He is still at Louisville,
running his train on the broad gauge. His regiment, he says, has been
maneuvering in the face of the enemy beyond Green river, threatened
with an attack day and night. Constant vigilance and continued exposure
in this most inclement season of the year, so undermined his health that
he was compelled to retire a little while to recuperate. He affirms that
he has the best regiment of soldiers in the service; but, unfortunately,
has not a field officer worth a damn.

Robt. E. Lee was the great man of the rebel army in West Virginia. The
boys all talked about Lee, and told how they would pink him if
opportunity offered. But Simon Bolivar Buckner is the man here on whom
they all threaten to fall violently. There are certainly a hundred
soldiers in the Third, each one of whom swears every day that he would
whip Simon Bolivar Buckner quicker than a wink if he dared present
himself. Simon is in danger.

Had the third sergeants in my school to-night. Am getting to be a pretty
good teacher.

10. General Mitchell gave the officers a very interesting lecture this
evening. He is indefatigable. The whole division has become a school.

Had five lieutenants before me. Lesson: grand guards and other outposts.

11. The General summoned the officers of his division about him and went
through the form of sending out advanced guard, posting picket, grand
guards, outposts, and sentinels. During these exercises we rode fifteen
or twenty miles, and listened to at least twenty speeches. My horse was
very gay, and I had the pleasure of running many races. I learned
something, and am learning a little each day. Had the lieutenants in my
school again to-night. Lesson: detachments, reconnoissances, partisans,
and flankers.

12. The officers dress better, as a rule, than in West Virginia. The
only man who has not, in this regard, changed for the better, is the
Major. He continues the careless fellow he was. Occasionally he makes an
effort to have his boots poli