it and then skedaddled. No mail came in.
Track reported torn up. If they come and fool around here much, they may
get hurt. General Kilpatrick's headquarters in town. Two of his cavalry
brigades here, and one of ours. In the evening Griff and I took a walk
to town, the first time I have been in it since arrived. Old fashioned
and dilapidated.

Etowah Bridge, Monday, July 25. Had a very cold night. Suffered for want
of bed clothes notwithstanding the days are very hot. Great anxiety felt
for reliable news from the front. Chattanooga _Gazette_ reports capture
of Atlanta. Trains from the front deny it. Received two mails. Latest
came in 4 P. M. I received three letters.

Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, July 26. Not so cold last night. Cool day. I
spent it very quietly. Great dearth of reading matter. Health very good.
All the boys drew soft bread, quite a rarity. Hard-tack getting
wearisome.

Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, July 27. Cloudy day, showery in the evening.
Health very good. On guard, the first time for a month. The moments
passed slowly while on post, and I was almost lonesome. 1st Ohio and 5th
Kentucky Infantry passed through on their way home this evening. They go
right from the front line of battle to homes that are awaiting them. But
a few of them left to represent the 1,000 that started. Report Sherman
surrounding Atlanta on all sides, expected to be engaged to-day. Major
General Steedman and staff gone to the front. No mail received.

Etowah Bridge, Thursday, July 28. Dull, drowsy and dreamy. Nothing in
camp but speculations on the affairs in front and the future in general.
A few have hopes of peace from the Peace Commissioners in Canada, but
fear it is delusive.

Etowah Bridge, Friday, July 29. A very hot day. Hauled load after load
of water in the morning, afterwards went to town with E. F. H. to spend
the day. Saw General Kilpatrick, a young officer. Fighting Joe Hooker
sent to the rear with his staff on a "dinky". They go to Washington.
Hope they'll give him a chance to work.

[Sidenote: 1864 A Friendly Family]

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, July 30. After breakfast, waited to go with
Corporal Knapp and O. J. Burnham out after berries. E. F. Hayes and I
followed with pails. Walked about five miles to the romantic country
seat of Old Cooper. By 9 A. M. we had dishes full of the luscious fruit,
upon which we have feasted for the last month. Visited at a house
inhabited by an old couple called William