making sleeping a troublesome
matter anywhere. I got up, wrung my blankets and watched the rain. After
breakfast harnessed our horses. As we have no feed they look very bad,
indeed nearly all the halter stails on the rope were eaten off last
night. I got a set of chain ones from the Battery wagon. Company cooks
played out and rations issued to platoons. Boys all hail it gladly.

10 A. M. Two teams went to Chattanooga after forage. E. W. E. went on
detail. Tried to write a letter, but it is so very cold that I made but
little progress.

3 P. M. A circular has just been received from General Sherman to hold
ourselves in readiness to march at any moment. Three days' cooked
rations and one blanket is all that is to be taken along, the ambulances
to follow to the river and there await orders. The enemy have been
playing from Lookout all day and it is told that sharp musketry is going
on, but that general engagement will probably not come off until we
cross the river, which it is said we will do to-night if the rain will
not sweep off our pontoon. The crisis is fast approaching and it cannot
be long ere we meet in deadly contest; of the final result I have but
little doubt. I am confident in the ability of those contesting for the
right. But alas! many must of necessity close their eyes in death. It
is not for me to ask whom or when, but to trust to Him that noticeth the
fall of a sparrow, and endeavor to do my duty. I pray that strength may
be given me to meet my fate with courage.

8 P. M. It is night. The teams have returned without any feed. They met
M. L. Smith's Division on the bridge and they could not cross. Three
sacks of grain was got at Division headquarters which gave us a small
feed. Wagon went to draw rations at the commissary but could not get
any. I have written a letter home and will now lie down and sleep with
an easy mind until called upon. I am ready when the word comes.

[Sidenote: 1863 Awaiting Battle]

Near Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 22. Awoke to find a bright and beautiful
morning and the air was as balmy as a May morning in Wisconsin. Did not
rain as expected and no indications of it in particular. Preaching
announced at 10 A. M. by the Chaplain of the 18th Wisconsin. I thought
it was more my duty to write to anxious hearts than attend. Wrote one to
sister Hannah and commenced one to brother Thomas, but was called on
guard before finishing it. Sherman's chief of artillery went with
Captain Dillo