with anxious glances for the train from the North, but
none arrived. Although nothing formidable presents itself to us, a
feeling of weakness fills the mind when the single thread that connects
us with home and supplies is broken. Wheeler is reported to have been
repulsed at Dalton with heavy loss, and General Smith is following, but
Gen. S. D. Lee is supposed to be moving north towards this line with a
heavy force of infantry, estimated from ten thousand to thirty thousand.
Ditches, works were cleared out this evening. There are muskets at
Brigade headquarters. If we should be pinched the extra men would be
supplied with them.

Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Aug. 18. Very quiet night, followed by as quiet
a day. Mail train reported to be coming in at 10 A. M., anxiously
looked for to-day, but it did not come. Rebels seem to be leaving us. We
hear nothing of them to-day. All we want is news and mail. I feel as
though I was 2,000 miles farther away from home this week than last.

[Sidenote: 1864 Alarm Passes]

4 P. M. Startled by the shrill toot of the engine, followed by a
prolonged yell that would do honor to pandemonium, and we knew the 3rd
Division is coming home. 48th and 93rd returned without firing a gun,
chased the rebels across the Oostanaula River. Reported to be 3,000
strong, going towards East Tennessee.

Etowah Bridge, Friday, Aug. 19. We passed a quiet night and a pleasant
day. Infantry was up most of the night felling trees and building an
abatis on the other side of river. Five hundred cavalry reported in
vicinity. Would not let horses out to graze. Went on guard at 9 A. M.
Road expected to be repaired so trains pass by night. Several trains
passed about sundown. Anxiously looking for mail. A small package at
last arrived, but to my disappointment there was none for me.

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Aug. 20. We were up in time to see an
expedition start down the river, consisting of 900 cavalry and three
regiments of infantry. They laid under arms all night, and were going to
ascertain if there was any force in this vicinity. Infantry returned in
six hours. Cavalry went. Lieutenant Clark went out scouting with armed
squad. Twenty-six guerrillas and conscripters are all he can hear of.
Brigade of troops from Rome arrived yesterday but returned immediately
not needed. Went to town after being relieved from guard. Back mail gone
to the front.

Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Aug. 21. A very wet and rainy day. Kep