our lives.

Bridgeport, Friday, Dec. 4. Awoke at dawn, the ground was white with
frost and blankets stiff, although we slept warm. The 12th Battery
succeeded in getting over some time during the night. "Ned" gone from
the tree. I started in search walking brisk for an hour over the hills
and high brush to no avail. Found our boys in squads by fires, having
suffered severely during the night. Most of them had no blankets.
Returned. Evie started and soon returned astride a fine specimen in the
shape of a "sorrel crowbait", mane and tail closely shaven and points
very prominent; but he could carry the harness, so he would do. No signs
of moving with the batteries. We have nothing to eat, and by this time
quite hungry, which induced us to push on in an independent squad. Two
miles out found "Ned" standing innocently at a fire, held by an infantry
man. Of course I traded. Passed the 1st and 2nd Brigade in camp, also
the Division headquarters. Found grain on roadside near Whiteside.
Halted to let horses eat. Passed by General Smith and Brigade. Captain
Dillon halted and spoke gruffly to us, but finally rode on, and we
followed after him. Made serious attempts to buy cornbread of citizens
or hard-tack from trains going to the front, but failed. Joined by D. J.
Davis, E. F. Hayes and W. H. H. Booth. We journeyed on together.

The sun was very warm, the frozen ground converted into mud. I was
afoot. Noon came and hunger became more pointed. We halted to rest in
sight of a camp, a brigade in winter quarters. "Council of war" held and
the following program determined upon. E. W. E. and E. F. Hayes were to
take the horses and go to the above-mentioned camp and procure
something to eat regardless of expense, while we went to "Mica Jack
Cave" to await their return. Visited this stupendous piece of God's
handiwork and proceeded into it as far as daylight would show us the
way. A truly impressive scene, solid rock under one's feet, pure crystal
water trickling down its walls, streams fell from above on * * * of
rock, which by constant trickling were now smooth and symmetrical. On
all sides long ranges of leeches were arranged for saltpetre works. The
earth out of which it was obtained was brought from the entrance of the
cave, the best of it five miles, in large vats at the mouth for boiling
it down. At length the boys came, having succeeded to a charm, as they
had a box of condemned crackers thrown aside (being mouldy) out of which