and mangers all ready, and in a few
minutes we were as much at home as though we had worked a week. The
scenery here is romantic and I hope we may stay here for a time at
least. Bathed in the river early evening. Pretty stream.

Etowah Bridge, Thursday, July 14. All still and dull, the monotony of
camp settled down upon us very soon, a few new shebangs and fixing up
around quarters. No mail or news found us in this wild mountainous
locality. Country people very ignorant.

[Sidenote: 1864 Blackberry Hunt]

Etowah Bridge, Friday, July 15. Grazed in forenoon. Detail and three
wagons sent out after oats. Harvested it and brought it to camp. Fed to
horses in evening. Found plenty four miles down the river. Brought back
piles of apples. No break in the monotony of camp. Evans obtained pass
for himself and eight men to go outside pickets to pick blackberries.
Spencer, Evans, D. Wallace, Hayes and myself started one morning,
followed the secesh railroad running up south side of river to iron
works. Walked about five miles, saw a large flouring mill and rolling
mills, two of the largest water powers I ever saw, all the works
completely destroyed.

Crossed over mountains, through gorges, till at last found blackberries
with no ending. Eyes could not wish for more. Surrounded by the wildest
of hills, but little trace of civilization. We picked our dishes full. I
picked nine quarts in about two hours. Awful warm, sweat more than I
ever did in August field. Reached camp but little before retreat. Tired
and loaded down with berries. Our mess at night ate nearly one-half
bushel of berries. Ate till nearly sick. Whew! what a country.

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, July 16. Had a long ride on south bank of river
to graze. Stopped in a beautiful field of "red top". Wagons out hauling
grass into camp. Yankees running an old McCormick reaper as mower with
mule teams, doing big business. Weather very, very hot. Felt nearly
exhausted when we reached camp, but a healthy reaction took place upon
finding a big "foolscap" letter, all from home, also the likeness of
sister Margaret and her two little boys. Sweet little ones. It brought
to memory the time I was with you, and how I delighted to ride you upon
my knee.

Etowah Bridge, Sunday, July 17. Another quiet, still, hot Sabbath day,
the dullness of camp life felt in all its might. Could not drive it
away, but by writing letters. Inspection 6 A. M. Grazed afterwards. Did
not return t