ry" Forrest or
Morgan near. I know not the cause of alarm. Some of the boys say they
heard artillery firing. The other Batteries hitched up, but as we had no
horses I think they intended we should run if they came. We could do
little fighting if they came not in our front. But as we are on the
front such alarms are not strange. Evergreens were hauled into camp by
detail, and a row of shady pine is planted in front of the tents, adding
much to the beauty and comfort of the camp. I have a big tree in front
of my "shebang". This does not look like moving, but still there is no
reliance upon appearances. Two of our men and Henry returned from pest
hospital, recovered from smallpox.

Huntsville, Friday, April 15. The veterans of the 12th Wisconsin Battery
left this morning, thirty in number, with their beautiful flags, for the
State. Ours would go with them if Lieutenant Jenawein were here, but he
is at Whitesburg and will not be up till this evening. He will start
with them in the morning. I am on guard, pleasant through the day but
dreary during the night. My old chum Evie was up from the river after
rations. Staid all night. He is in charge of 3rd Platoon. Orders
received to reduce us to four-gun battery.

Huntsville, Saturday, April 16. At 7 A. M. our veterans, thirty-two in
number, started on their long anticipated furlough. They were almost
beside themselves with pleasant anticipations, as they were greeted with
a good-bye that came from the hearts of the comrades they leave behind.
I could but think of the time when we should all be permitted to return,
with no compulsions to return. Oh, happy day! May it soon come! E. W. E.
returned this morning. Left me again alone in my tent. Much excitement
prevails as to what will be done with the superfluous men after being
reduced to four guns.

[Sidenote: 1864 Yankee Sermon]

Huntsville, Sunday, April 17. A beautiful and holy Sabbath morning.
Warmed even the coldest heart to softness and filled the thoughtful mind
with piety, though to many imperceptibly. Knapsack inspection at 8 A. M.
Afterwards D. J. D., Griff and myself attended Sabbath school taught by
a chaplain. The presiding elder of the Methodist church was sick, and to
my astonishment the Yankee chaplain was invited to preach, which he did
very fittingly, delivering an excellent sermon from Romans 8th chapter,
XV verse. Went down in the afternoon to witness the baptizing at the
Methodist church, but we were