ion of that coveted stronghold.

[Sidenote: 1864 Atlanta is Ours]

Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 4. Inspection as usual at 7 A. M. 8 A. M.
made glad by the arrival of Uncle Lester with bag full of mail and
papers. Received none of the former, but the news is glorious. _Atlanta
is ours._ Sherman routed his foe. Fort Morgan surrendered with
prisoners. Wheeler retreating. Hurrah! I say. Discouraging enough to the
cowardly party that has just nominated G. B. McClellan for president at
Chicago.

W. A. Gordon, one of the oldest members of the Battery, died at noon in
camp after a short but severe illness. He left a large family last
winter who will miss their kind father and protector.

Etowah Bridge, Monday, Sept. 5. This morning at 8 A. M. we buried the
remains of Mr. Gordon, the coffin borne on a caisson followed by martial
band of 48th Infantry playing the dead march. His remains were consigned
to their last habitation on a pretty knoll neath large oaks, without a
tear or a sigh. He was left, the band playing a lively march as if to
drown all thought of the dead. Another poor soldier "off duty". The
sound of the reveille will awaken him to duty no more. May his ashes
rest in peace in a traitor's land.

On guard, second relief. Cloudy, but little rain. No mail. Two long,
empty trains passed to the front, supposed to go for prisoners.

Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Sept. 6. My health is very good. Weather very
oppressive. Little rain during the afternoon. No trains from the North.
Rations being hauled to Atlanta from Marietta to subsist the army on.

Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Sept. 7. Very chilly night. Continued cold all
the morning. A heavy train passed to the rear loaded with prisoners.
They will lay over at Chattanooga, the Nashville Road not open yet.
Seems strange to go without mail so long. All the news from Sherman
makes his victory more complete. Captain Dillon returned from the front.

Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Sept. 8. One detail sent out after two loads of
corn, cut it in the field. Five hundred more prisoners passed North.
Trains run regular from Chattanooga, carrying supplies of which there is
enough to feed the army for several months yet. Horses can live off the
country, but rather scarce picking for us.

Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 9. Three years ago to-day the first men
enlisted for the 6th Wisconsin Battery, a day never to be forgotten by
many. Rumors of marching soon are once more afloat. 4