other slope of the mountain. He was such an ignorant fellow that his
report was hardly intelligible. We sent him back, telling him to bring
us more definite information. He was a field hand, bare-footed,
horny-handed, and very black, but he knew all about "de mountings; dey
can't kotch him nohow. If de sesesh am at Massa Bob's when I git back, I
come to-night an' tell yer all." With these words, this poor proprietor
of a dilapidated pair of pants and shirt, started over the mountains.
What are his thoughts about the war, and its probable effects on his own
fortunes, as he trudges along over the hills? Is it the desire for
freedom, or the dislike for his overseer, that prompts him to run five
miles of a Sunday to give this information? Possibly both.

Caesar said to the Adjutant, "Massa Wilson, may I go to church?" "What do
you want to go church for, Caesar?" "To hear de Gospel." One day Caesar
said to me, "Co'nel, you belongs to de meetin don't you?" "Why so,
Caesar?" "Kase I nebber heard you swar any."

To-day one of the pet coons got after a chicken. A young half-naked
negro took after the coon; and a long and crooked chase the chicken,
coon, and negro had of it.

12. At five o'clock the members of the court met to say good-by, and
drink a dozen bottles of Scotch ale at General Ammen's expense. This was
quite a spree for the General, and quite his own spree. It was a big
thing, equal almost to the battle of "Shealoh." They were pint bottles,
and the General would persist in acting upon the theory that one bottle
would fill all our glasses. Seeing the glasses empty he would call for
another bottle, and say to us, "Gentlemen, I have ordered another
bottle." The General evidently drinks, when he imbibes at all, simply to
be social, and a thimble-full would answer his purpose as well as a
barrel.

The court called on General Buell; he is cold, smooth-toned, silent, the
opposite of Nelson, who is ardent, loud-mouthed, and violent.

17. Colonel Keifer has just received a telegram informing him that he
has been appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio. I regret
his departure too much to rejoice over his promotion. He has been a
faithful officer, always prompt and cheerful; much better qualified to
command the regiment than its Colonel.

Watermelons, peaches, nectarines, are abundant. Peaches thrive better in
this climate than apples. I have eaten almost the whole of a watermelon
to-day, and am somewhat sati