of the hour. All the brigades of our division,
except mine, were reviewed by General Rosecrans this afternoon. It was a
fine display, but hard on the soldiers; they were kept so long standing.

At Middletown, sixteen miles away, the rebels are four thousand strong,
and within a day or two they have ventured to Salem, five miles distant.

20. Loomis, who has just returned from home, called this evening, and we
drank a bottle of wine over the promotion. He is in trouble about his
commission as colonel of artillery. Two months ago the Governor of
Michigan gave him the commission, and since that time he has been
wearing a colonel's uniform; but General Rosecrans has expressed doubts
about his right to assume the rank. Loomis is all right, doubtless, and
to-morrow, when the matter is talked over between the General and
himself, it will be settled satisfactorily.

21. I have been running over Russell's diary, "North and South," and
must say the Yankee Nation, when looked at through Mr. Russell's
spectacles, does not appear enveloped in that star-spangled glory and
super-celestial blue with which it is wont to loom up before patriotic
eyes on Fourth of July occasions. He has treated us, however, fully as
well as we have treated him. We became angry because he told unpleasant
truths about us, and he became enraged because we abused him for it. He
thanks God that he is not an American; and should not we, in a spirit of
conciliation, meet him half way, and feel thankful that he is not?

Flaming dispatches will appear in the Northern papers to-morrow
respecting the defeat of John Morgan, by a small brigade of our troops
under Colonel Hall. The report will say that forty of the enemy were
killed, one hundred and fifty wounded, and one hundred and twenty
captured; loss on our side inconsiderable. The reporters have probably
contributed largely to the brilliancy of this affair. It is always safe
to accept with distrust all reports which affirm that a few men, with
little loss, routed, slaughtered, or captured a large force.

Peach and cherry trees are in full bloom. The grass is beginning to
creep out. Summer birds occasionally sing around us. In a few weeks
more the trees will be in full leaf again.

23. General Negley, who went home some time ago, returned to-day, and, I
see, wears two stars.

General Brannan arrived a day or two ago. He was on the train captured
by guerrillas, but was rescued a few minutes after.

The boy