f ordered to report to Dr. Coleman at 9 A. M. He set us to work
building a chimney. Finished it by supper time. Camp and men inspected
at 10 A. M. by Captain Budlong, A. I. G. and Captain Dillon, chief of
artillery, giving orders that after reveille all tents to be swept out
and blankets doubled. A ball was announced to be held to-night in town
and many of the boys attended, but found to their chagrin that it was a
nigger dance. Some returned crestfallen, others enjoyed the joke by
"tripping" with the "colored sisters".

Huntsville, Sunday, Jan. 17. A pleasant day. Meeting was announced to
be had at 2 P. M. in the Presbyterian Church. Obtained permission and
went down, but found none, it being held at 6 P. M. Walked over town.
Visited the waterworks of the city, which is the largest of the kind
South, with the exception of one at Columbia, S. C. A large stream
gushes out of the solid rock under the courthouse, which is dammed about
four feet and propels a large water wheel which works a powerful force
pump that forces water all over the city, furnishing a hydrant at every
corner. Pump is enclosed in a neat stone house. Returned to camp for
supper and evening roll-call, then we walked back again. The church was
very neat and filled with soldiers, but one woman in the audience.
Chaplain of 18th Wisconsin officiated, of the Calvinistic school, and
but ill agreed with my views, but it seemed good to be once more
listening to an earnest speaker and hear the old-fashioned tunes swell
in the bass voices that filled the room. Returned to camp, if not
better, a more thoughtful man. It was the second sermon I have listened
to since leaving home, and in common with all soldiers, I have acquired
a careless and light way of passing time.

Huntsville, Monday, Jan. 18. An idle day in camp. Nothing of interest.
Griff and myself went to town on pass, made a few purchases. Camp
policed. Lieutenant Simpson went to Stevenson. Weather cold. No news or
no mail.

Huntsville, Tuesday, Jan. 19. Washing day, which duly occupied the
forenoon. Afternoon spent in writing letters, etc. Evening long and
spent in listening to old Welsh tunes, hymns and songs sung by Griff and
Evie.

[Sidenote: 1864 "Style"]

Huntsville, Wednesday, Jan. 20. Health good. Plenty to eat and nothing
to do. Foragers brought in several hogs. D. J. D. gave us a piece of
ribs which we roasted before the fire, a fine dinner out of it. ---- and
---- of our Battery