who
has been confined for sixteen days in this miserable noisy hole for a
trifling crime, but he stood it with resignation. Obliged to watch him
in his slumber during the weary hours of the night. After relieved, lay
beside my charge and slept.

Huntsville, Thursday, March 3. A pleasant day. Off duty at 9 A. M. Did
not come on till six hours hence according to regulations. A very heavy
detail sent foraging with brigade teams, ours being allowed a short
rest. Policing in the afternoon. J. M. Hood was to-day appointed orderly
sergeant; Corporal Alba Sweet, 6th sergeant, vice Hood promoted; private
Malish, corporal, vice Sweet promoted; Sergeant Hauxhurst
court-martialed to-day; charges, refusing to obey Sergeant Hood's
orders. The result I have not learned. He is able to defend his case I
think, able to prove much that the officers don't like.

[Sidenote: 1864 Negro Schools]

Huntsville, Friday, March 4. Evie Evans and myself went to the city on
pass. Visited the Christian Commission rooms. Bought stamps. Also went
to the colored school under charge of Chaplain of 17th Colored. Had
school-teachers, being volunteers from the ranks, teaching the little
woolly-heads their "A. B. C.'s". One class of youngsters was taught by a
large negro. A class of young ladies was reading in the _Second Reader_.
All seemed attentive and anxious to receive the instruction but poorly
imparted to them. Harnesses were opened and distributed to the platoons.
I was given one set. No horses.

Huntsville, Saturday, March 5. No drill to-day. General policing.
Instead old harness being packed in the empty boxes in place of new.
Expect to get them off soon. 4th Minnesota started on their homeward
bound trip to-day at 12 M. with colors flying, and I dare say hearts
fluttering. About sixty were left, as they would not re-enlist. Smallpox
quite prevalent. Lieutenant Clark is down with it in an adjoining house.
Paddleford was sent off last night to smallpox camp. His case was quite
advanced. All broken out.

Huntsville, Sunday, March 6. A most delightful day. On guard. Second
relief. ---- still under arrest. Knapsack inspection at 8 A. M. as
usual. Preaching in camp at 2 P. M. Very good, by member of Christian
Commission.

Huntsville, Monday, March 7. A cloudy, dismal morning. Felt gloomy and
sad in spirits. After dinner in hopes of driving such feelings away, I
took my pen to write to Thomas. While thus engaged, I was interrupted by
a l