, D. Stewart, John
Eagion, A. Ray, J. W. Proctor and Ed. K. Hill.
Landen and Spencer, artificers.

The appointments were duly criticized during the day. No great objection
raised against except ----, his previous conduct "changing around the
officers", seeking position, and overbearing spirit has created much
dislike for him. Headquarters are filled with rebel prisoners.

[Sidenote: 1864 A Lonesome Parting]

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Sept. 24. Another rainy, disagreeable day. The
public property of the Battery is now turned over to Simpson and
everything is ready to start for home, only waiting for transportation.
Captain Dillon came to camp at noon. He takes command of the old Company
on their way home. Capt. G. J. * * * relieved him as chief of artillery.
Monthly inspection by Division inspector at 1 P. M. He found the camp
rather upside down, after which a champion game of base-ball was played
on the flat between the non-veterans and veterans. The non-veterans came
off victorious by 11 points in 61. The day passed sadly for me at
thought of parting with my loved companions.

Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 25. The boys expected to get off early this
morning, but the Rebs burned a train near Big Shanty last night,
obstructing the road so no train could come up.

12 M. Capt. Zickerick of the 12th Battery came up from Allatoona with
about thirty of his boys to bid good-bye to the old 6th boys, and
reported a train due in an hour. The wagons were loaded with their
baggage, and they immediately started for town. Now came the
leave-taking with many. I with others had to bid adieux to our old
messmates, beside whom we had marched through many a rough campaign,
slept under the same blankets, eaten from the same plate, stood together
on many a bloody battle-field, watched and nursed each other while
sick. How close had our lives twined together in less than three years'
service. Many a stout heart that had met death with a calm brow, could
now hardly choke down the bitter tears, yet they were no cowards, but
throbs of a manly heart. They return but a small band of those who
started. Many of them have bleached their bones in Southern clime, and
thirty-two of them are brave veterans staying behind to complete the
work they enlisted for. Friends at home, you can little realize the
trial they underwent to-day in bidding good-bye to their original
comrades. You should not call their anxiety for their phototypes