ck,
and faced in that direction. We were glad of it, as both we and the
horses were too much worn out to follow, and the roads were getting very
bad with the rain and lateness of the season. The excitement was much
less. We marched with more labor than if following the enemy, but we
knew that plenty of others were on their track, and Bragg's forces
scattered, he taking three different roads, showing that he did not
intend to risk a general engagement with Grant very soon. Raining heavy
all day. The roads very bad and we had much trouble to get along with
artillery. All of the batteries of the 15th Corps not in marching
condition. Returned with the 3rd Division in charge of Captain Dillon,
which were five besides our own. Stopped at Chickamauga Station at noon
to feed, gathering corn along the railroad where hundreds of bushels had
been scattered by the rebs.

Reached the pontoon bridge over Chickamauga half an hour of sundown.
After a long delay it was clear and we crossed. Met General Sheridan and
his Division followed by two others, going to relieve Burnside. Came to
our old camp before the battle, after night. The rain had ceased and it
turned very cold, and the wind whistled as of old Wisconsin. Unhitched,
unharnessed, cleaned off my muddy team, and then with a great deal of
chattering and shivering, etc. pitched tents, made our bed on the muddy
wet ground. Felt very much like eating a good home supper as prepared by
Mary, but after waiting a long time it was substituted by a dish of mush
and a cup of coffee and thankful for that. Many of the infantry had
nothing but parched corn and no tents, no rails to make a fire; rather
tough but I suppose it is honest.

Near Chattanooga, Sunday, Nov. 29. Slept very cold, or rather shivered
through the night with little sleep. This morning it is still very cold.
Froze quite hard last night. Harnessed the team and "snaked" some
firewood, banked our tent, etc. Gathered leaves in them so we were a
little better prepared for it. Tried to write home, but my fingers were
so numb that I gave it up much to my dissatisfaction, as I know they are
anxious for my having not written any since the battle.

Near Chattanooga, Monday, Nov. 30. Cold during the night but comfortable
at midday. Wrote a letter to John, signed pay rolls in the afternoon. It
is expected we will move soon. Hope it is so as our infantry are in a
suffering condition, their tents at Bridgeport and their blankets, m