day. Laid idle till 10 A. M. for want of
tools. All the negroes in town pressed in and put to work. Twenty of us
detailed with Corporal Ferris to load a train with 3 by 8 stuff for gun
platforms, to obtain which we had to tear down an old machine shop.
Returned and unloaded by noon.

All the details marched up in line to McBride's headquarters, where
whiskey rations were freely issued to all that wanted, many of the most
greedy drinking in several different details. After this issue the
Captain mounted a table and read a dispatch from Sherman by telegraph,
of glorious news from Grant. Whips Lee and in full pursuit. Butler in
Petersburg within ten miles of Richmond. The news and whiskey brought
forth thundering acclamations from the soldiers. After stating the
importance of the immediate completion of the works, we were dismissed
for dinner and started home. Deplorable sight. The intemperate
indulgence by those but little used to the poison, caused a large
portion of them to be beastly drunk, and our march through town was
filled with demoniac yells, tumbling in the mud and mire. I felt ashamed
to be seen in the crowd. Such mistaken kindness tends to demoralize the
army as well as to increase the hatred of our enemy. Many of the boys
had to be carried to their tents, and were unable to return to their
work in the afternoon. Rained heavy all the afternoon. Worked hard. At
night a terrible thunder storm deluged our camp, water standing in one
of the tents eighteen inches deep. Our floor was all afloat, and we had
to climb into our bunks to keep dry. Dry land could not be seen. Much
noise and fun in order to forget the disagreeable in the humorous.

Huntsville, Wednesday, May 11. Exceedingly cold morning, more like March
than May. Started early to the fort, worked hard in the forenoon loading
wagons with dirt to be hauled on to the wall. After dinner helped lay
foundation for heavy guns. Much anxiety prevails in regard to Grant. In
the East it is confidently hoped by some that he will capture Richmond,
but I dare not hope, it is too big a job to be accomplished so soon.
Sherman is at work, but no news. Forrest does not seem to come.

[Sidenote: 1864 All at Work]

Huntsville, Thursday, May 12. All army followers, sutlers,
correspondents, etc. were ordered out this morning to work on
fortifications by Colonel Alexander, a tough pull for them, but
justifiable and highly acceptable to the soldiers. They left their homes