i-e no mo'."

24. We are still pursuing the even tenor of our way on the
fortifications. There are no indications of an advance. The army,
however, is well equipped, in good spirits, and prepared to move at an
hour's notice. Its confidence in Rosecrans is boundless, and whatever it
may be required to do, it will, I doubt not, do with a will.

The conscript law, and that clause especially which provides for the
granting of a limited number of furloughs, gives great satisfaction to
the men. They not only feel that they will soon have help, but that if
their conduct be good, there will be a fair chance for them to see home
before the expiration of their term of enlistment. Hitherto they have
been something like prisoners without hope.

26. Another little misfortune has occurred to our arms at Brentwood. The
Twenty-second Wisconsin, numbering four hundred men, was captured by
General Forrest. The rebels succeed admirably in gathering up and
consolidating our scattered troops.

The Adjutant and others are having a concert in the next tent, and
certainly laugh more over their own performance than singers do
generally. They have just executed

"The foin ould Irish gintleman,"

And are at this present writing shouting

"Vive l' America, home of the free."

I think it more than probable that as their enthusiasm increases, the
punch in their punch-bowl diminishes.

27. A mule has just broken the stillness of the night by a most
discordant bray, and I am reminded that all horses are to be turned over
to the mounted infantry regiments, and mules used in the teams in their
stead. Mules are far better for the wagons than horses. They require
less food, are hardier, and stand up better under rough work and
irregular feeding.

I catch the faintest possible sound of a violin. Some indomitable spirit
is enlivening the night, and trenching upon the Sabbath, by giving loose
rein to his genius.

During the light baggage and rapid marches of the latter part of Buell's
administration, together with the mishaps at Perryville, the string band
of the Third was very considerably damaged; but the boys have recently
resuscitated and revived it to all the glory and usefulness of former
days. One of its sweetest singers, however, has either deserted or
retired to hospital or barracks, where the duties are less onerous and
life more safe. His greatest hit was a song known as "The Warble," in
which the following lines