t did not come.

Camp on Mud Creek, Tuesday, June 28. The threatening thunderstorm of
last night unfortunately passed away without cooling us and settling the
dust. Our spirits were revived this morning by securing last night's
mail. I received one from Hannah with her familiar countenance, a
precious gift. Our back mail has gone to Big Shanty. Day passed off
heavily. No reading matter and all shady places were monopolized by card
players, etc. I amused myself with checkers most of the day. No late
papers in camp. 2nd Brigade gone on cars. Leave wagons behind.

Chattanooga, Wednesday, June 29. Nothing important transpired during the
forenoon. Late papers brought into camp. A great treat. After dinner
"Boots and Saddles" was sounded and in thirty minutes we moved out
towards Stevenson. One of the caisson drivers sick. I had to take his
team. Proceeded to load upon the cars as soon as possible. The track was
crowded and it was difficult to load the horses, which were unharnessed.
At about 5 P. M. the train started, amid the cheering of the troops and
music by the 1st Brigade band from the piazza of the Soldiers' Home.
Leave all the wagons to come through by land. At Bridgeport three long
trains from the front passed us, and it was dark before we crossed the
Tennessee River bridge. I rode on top [of the] freight, and in spite of
myself slept most of the time, while we dashed on through the darkness,
over precipices, around curves, etc. in danger of being rolled off. To
prevent which locked arms with the comrade on the other side. Was awake
while we passed under the majestic wall of Lookout, the Tennessee
beneath us, a very beautiful scene. Arrived at Chattanooga at 11 P. M.
Slept on cars till morning.

Kingston, Ga., Thursday, June 30. Arose to find ourselves enveloped by
cars and engines. Chattanooga is thriving under the military. Buildings
are going up, roads repaired, etc. and an immense amount of stores are
kept at this place. After breakfast and morning papers read, we were
mustered for pay. Inspected at 8 A. M. Two [extra] engines attached, and
with difficulty we reached the tunnel. Passed through it when extra
engines left us, and we rode on some time, very fast, but often obliged
to halt, trains blockading us in front.

[Sidenote: 1864 The Friendly Poor]

Road very lightly guarded. Engineers' camps frequently seen in the
dense forest, busy at work getting out timber for bridges, etc. Steam
mills running