ay 20. On guard, third relief. Gave the day up
willingly for its duties by lying low all the time not on post, which
was rather monotonous. No papers or mail. Large party went out on pass
this afternoon with Sergeant Hauxhurst to visit friends in 14th, 17th,
and 33rd Wisconsin Regiments.

[Sidenote: 1864 A Camp Pond]

Huntsville, Saturday, May 21. Mail distributed, giving me three fat
letters which did me much good. Good news from Sherman. Boys busy in the
afternoon damming up the creek in front of camp to make swimming pond.
Had a refreshing bath in the evening.

Huntsville, Sunday, May 22. Inspection 8 A. M. Attended Sabbath school.
Soldiers' class large and interesting. Before returned to camp, listened
to an eloquent and scientific discourse by Dr. Ross, Presbyterian
Church. Wrote letters in the afternoon. Very warm. Traded sugar for
milk. Made a fine bread pudding for dinner, great rarity for soldiers. A
train of thirty cars loaded with "grey backs" captured by Sherman passed
North; very dirty and filthy-looking clothes.

Huntsville, Monday, May 23. Very warm, sultry day. Performed the
pleasant task of signing pay roll, expect a month's soon. Change getting
low on all sides. Heavy columns of troops arrived all day. Leggett's
Division, 17th Army Corps expect to reorganize ere leaving for the
front. I anticipate that we will soon be relieved to join our Corps in
the front with gallant Sherman, who is doing much. Expects to be in
Atlanta by the first of June. Terrible uncertainty hangs over Grant. A
heavy mail arrived this evening. I received two good ones from T. L. and
E. L. 63rd Illinois returned from veteran furlough.

Huntsville, Tuesday, May 24. Our quiet camp is very busy to-day by the
bustle occasioned by the presence of the 17th Corps. Wagons driving in
hot haste, drums beating, bugles blowing, etc. The boys as of old are
doing steep jay-hawking, breaking into gardens, cheating sutlers, etc. A
long march has invariably a demoralizing effect upon troops. Guards
stationed on every corner. Blair has ordered our Division to the front.
Smith telegraphed to Sherman for orders. Paid off 4 P. M., $52.00. The
rest of the day was spent very busily, settling debts and crossing out
old scores, trading, etc.

Huntsville, Wednesday, May 25. The 17th Corps took up the line of march
early this morning but did not get under way, all of it till 11 A. M.
They go back towards Decatur, supposed to cross the river