otony of camp was broken to-day by
cheering down on our left at 12 M. and soon General Smith and staff rode
through camp, who was joined by Captain Dillon, and immediately orders
were given to march a gun detachment to the guns immediately and fire a
salute in honor of the 59th and 48th Indiana, who were about to start
for home as veterans. The three Batteries were soon ready, "cocked and
primed". Captain Dillon as usual in quite a flurry. Ordered Lieutenant
Simpson to his quarters in a passion, then told us the salute was to be
commenced on the right, each gun to fire in succession, at the raising
of the flag for a signal, "and boys, I want you to give three of the
d----st cheers you ever gave between each gun". After a little waiting
the heroes marched along in the valley below, headed by the Brigade
band. Up goes the flag and a volume of dense white smoke is emitted from
the gun on the right, accompanied with the thunder, then another and
another, and all have fired in rapid succession, fourteen in all. Our
guns were fired for the first time, giving a crack which almost
demolished my "tympanum". Act No. 2, cheer after cheer arose from the
homeward bound veterans, and by the Batteries hat waving, etc. Well do
they deserve the honor, and gladly was it given. Together we have
struggled on every field of strife and won. They have the wishes and
gratitude of the comrades they leave behind. May they have a happy time
of it at home with relations and sweethearts. Retired to parade ground
on double quick, and broke ranks full of sunlight. H. S. Keene, chief of
artillery clerk, is going with them on furlough. A fortunate man. A
shoulder strap for a friend.

Huntsville, Wednesday, Feb. 3. Colder night than we have had for two
weeks. Water frozen a quarter of an inch and obliged to tuck up close
to sleep warm. Instead of the usual drill this morning, was general
policing, ground to be swept from rear of quarters to behind the guard
house, about five acres. Guard house and kitchen whitewashed. A well
started. I climbed Russell Hill for evergreen boughs for brooms in
company with a couple of others, and managed it so as not to return
until nearly recall; that is soldiers' strategy. "Do no more than you
can" is the motto.

Huntsville, Thursday, Feb. 4. Cold night but pleasant day. Nothing of
importance to mar the general routine of camp life. Had to put in our
regular drill under Sergeant Hood. Camp was inspected P. M. by the