and Decatur, Alabama, at each place expecting a battle,
and yet meeting with no opposition. With but one division upon this
line, we looked for hard work and great danger, and yet have found
neither. As we advanced the honors we expected to win have receded or
gone elsewhere, to be snatched up by other divisions. The boys say the
Third is fated never to see a battle; that the Third Ohio in Mexico saw
no fighting; that there is something magical in the number which
preserves it from all danger.

14. The Fifteenth Kentucky remains here. The Third and Tenth Ohio moved
at three in the afternoon. Roads bad and progress slow. Bivouacked for
the night near a distillery. Many of the men drunk; the Tenth Ohio
particularly wild.

15. Resumed the march at six in the morning. Passed the plantation of
Leonidas Polk Walker. He is said to be the wealthiest man in North
Alabama. His domain extends for fifteen miles along the road. The
overseer's house and the negro huts near it make quite a village.

Met a good many young men returning from Corinth and Pittsburg Landing.
Quite a number of them had been in the Sunday's battle, and, being
wounded, had been sent back to Huntsville. General Mitchell had captured
and released them on parole. Some had their heads bandaged, others their
arms, while others, unable to walk, were conveyed in wagons. As they
passed, our men made many good-natured remarks, as, "Well, boys, you're
tired of soldiering, ar'n't you?" "Goin' home on furlough, eh?" "Played
out." "Another bold soger boy!" "See the soger!"

At one point a hundred or more colored people, consisting of men, women,
and children, flocked to the roadside. The band struck up, and they
accompanied the regiment for a mile or more, crowding and jostling each
other in their endeavors to keep abreast of the music. The boys were
wonderfully amused, and addressed to the motley troupe all the commands
known to the volunteer service: "Steady on the right;" "Guide center;"
"Forward, double quick."

Reached Huntsville at five in the afternoon.

16. Just after sunset Colonel Keifer and I strolled into the town,
stopped at the hotel for a moment, where we saw a rebel officer in his
gray uniform running about on parole. Visited the railroad depot, where
some two hundred rebels are confined. The prisoners were variously
engaged; some chatting, others playing cards, while a few of a more
devotional turn were singing

"Come thou fount of ever