p. Warm and pleasant morning. No
feed for horses. W. Hayes, Ed. Hayes, J. Ide, H. and D. Wallace returned
from furlough, having followed us up to Iuka, then being obliged to
return and go up the river by the way of Nashville. They came up on the
cars this morning with plump and rosy cheeks. The boys greeted them with
enthusiasm going to meet them from afar off. They were from HOME. Orders
received at headquarters to send a commissioned officer and
non-commissioned or private out on recruiting service. Of course much
eagerness was manifested as to who should go. Many applications made I
understood, but Lieutenant Hood and Sergeant Hamilton are the elected
ones. I understand a like detail is to be made from each Company, but I
doubt if they will bring back as many as go. The 4th Division crossed
the river to-day. It is reported that we follow in the morning, leaving
all wagons behind. Carriages were greased ready for the start. Wrote
letters to brother Thomas and sister Mary. Am very anxious to hear from
home. Ere this the draft has passed and I know not but the only stay and
comfort of my aged and invalid parents is rudely torn from them. If
such is the case, and I here in front of the enemy with my destiny
unknown, I fear it will bring their gray hairs to the grave. God forbid!
If he but be spared I will be satisfied, although I know not but that I
have another year to serve after the Battery is mustered out. It is hard
for me to think of the years going in this manner, when I had fondly
hoped a part at least would be spent in the schoolroom, but I believe it
is not lost. He that followeth his duty need not worry. His reward is
certain, and it is truly a noble cause in which we are engaged. From the
front I have heard nothing. It is reported that the rebs are withdrawing
but I do not credit it.

We started one month ago to-day. Twenty of these days were on the road;
240 miles have been travelled. We have been transferred from the Army of
the Tennessee to the Army of the Cumberland, and all of our record from
this on will be with them.

Sequatchie Valley, Ala., Wednesday, Nov. 18. Reveille sounded before
dawn and we were ordered to prepare to march, but they knew not at what
hour. All baggage that could be spared was ordered to be left with camp
guard. The knapsacks were to be left, but as the cannoneers did not feel
disposed to lose all of them as at Vicksburg, they all strapped them on
their backs to "tote 'em". Fai