Griffin stopped at my
tent-door for a moment this morning. They were on horseback, and each
had a child on the saddle. They were giving Mrs. Scribner's children a
little ride.

Attended divine service in the camp of the Eighty-eighth Indiana, and
afterward called for a few minutes on Colonel Moore, of the One Hundred
and Fourth Illinois. On returning to my quarters I found Colonels Hobart
and Taylor awaiting me. They were about to visit Colonel T. P. Nicholas,
of the Second Kentucky Cavalry, and desired me to accompany them. We
dined with Colonel Nicholas, and, as is the custom, observed the
apostolic injunction of taking something for the stomach's sake. Toward
evening we visited the field hospital, and paid our respects to Surgeon
Finley and lady. Here, much against our wills, we were compelled to
empty a bottle of sherry. On the way to our own quarters Colonel Taylor
insisted upon our calling with him to see a friend, with whom we were
obliged to take a glass of ale. So that it was about dark when we three
sober gentlemen drew near to our respective quarters. We had become
immensely eloquent on the conduct of the war, and with great unanimity
concluded that if Grant were to take Vicksburg he would be entitled to
our profoundest admiration and respect. Hobart, as usual, spoke of his
State as if it were a separate and independent nation, whose sons, in
imitation of LaFayette, Kosciusko and DeKalb, were devoting their best
blood to the maintenance of free government in a foreign land; while
Taylor, incited thereto by this eulogy on Wisconsin, took up the cudgel
for Kentucky, and dwelt enthusiastically on the gallantry of her men and
the unrivaled beauty of her women.

When I dismounted and turned my horse over to the servant, I caught a
glimpse of the signal lights on the dome of the court-house, and was
astonished to find just double the usual number, in the act of
performing a Dutch waltz. I concluded that the Signal Corps must be
drunk. Saddened by the reflection that those occupying high places,
whose duty it was to let their light shine before men, should be found
in this condition of hopeless inebriety, I heaved a sigh which might
have been mistaken by the uncharitable for a hic-cough, and lay down to
rest.

23. My colt had a sore eye a day or two ago, but it is now getting well.
The boys pet him, and by pinching him have taught him to bite. I fear
they will spoil him. I have not ridden him much of late. He ha