they filled their haversacks, and which to us tasted sweeter than honey.
We ate heartily and thankfully of these musty crackers and water from
the cave, after which I felt much stronger.

Seven miles to Bridgeport, which we made easily by 4 P. M. Endeavored to
buy our supper, but the hungry boys of the 1st and 2nd Brigades had
cleared the town. Waited until after night for the arrival of the rest
of the boys, as we hoped they would have rations, but as they did not
appear, D. J. D., E. W. E. and myself started in search of camping
ground. It was very dark and we wandered across the large flat covered
with logs, stumps and rifle pits in search of the camp of the 3rd
Division, from one camp fire to another, until at last we found the
train loaded with crackers. Dan succeeded in filling his haversack with
crackers from behind a wagon. Honest for a hungry man. Built a large
fire by a dead tree, made our bed in the leaves, and after eating a few
dry crackers, retired for the night, tired and rather lonesome.

Bridgeport, Saturday, Dec. 5. Had a fine night's rest, also a fine
breakfast of fried crackers and coffee. Evie borrowed the pan, I begged
the salt, Dan the coffee, after which went up town, gathered waste grain
and fed the famished horses. Ate a pie and water. 10 A. M. the batteries
came in, having been obliged to leave their ammunition chest behind, and
hard work to come at that. Eight of our horses died on the road. The
road is lined on all sides with the dead horses and mules, having died
of starvation. Went into camp east of town. Tents came in 3 P. M. Full
rations for man and beast. Night found us comfortably quartered and
"happy as lambs", infantry singing "Rally, boys, rally" etc. They have
just passed through a hard trip, no tents, got scant rations, and were
half famished by the time they got here, but there was no grumbling or
lagging, each marching cheerfully, parching his corn in the ashes, as
corn is stuff to keep up strength; but such boys are invincible while on
the field, as on the march, alike jolly and contented.

[Sidenote: 1863 A Quiet Sunday]

Bridgeport, Sunday, Dec. 6. A beautiful Sabbath day. Air soft and balmy,
camp remarkably quiet and still. Two large mails received, I the happy
recipient of eight letters. Spent most of the day in writing a letter
commenced the 1st to T. L., such is the difficulty of letter-writing in
the army. Felt tired and worn out indeed and slept considerable of t