ty cents.

Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Oct. 18. Three teams and six men gone a-foraging
with two days' rations. They go up into Cherokee County. Our horses have
nothing, only what is foraged for them and grazing once a day, but the
grass is getting dry. McCook's Cavalry that have laid here for several
weeks, broke camp this morning and marched northward. Worked this
forenoon. In the afternoon wrote to my old comrade E. W. E., but there
is no prospect of it reaching him soon. Weather beautiful.

Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Oct. 19. Day passed very quietly. Our quarters
are all done except chimneys. Principal work done was playing chess and
eating walnuts, which is the only game I indulge in at present. We have
wild rumors that Hood has split his army, two corps retreating. One
going north. Sherman following both, but nothing definite. Kilpatrick's
wagon-train and convalescents reached here to-day. His headquarters are
at Stilesboro, fifteen miles west. Took a pleasant walk to town with
Griff after retreat. Enjoyed myself well. But there is an aching void in
my heart, which cannot be filled without news from home.

[Sidenote: 1864 Camp Rumors]

Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Oct. 20. To-day is ration day and we begin to
feel the effects of the blockade. Only half rations of everything except
hard-tack. No salt. Heavy trains of supplies are being taken north every
day from Allatoona. The winds, I guess, waft the tidings of noble
Morton's election in Indiana with 4,000 majority to us. Hope it is true.
The Indiana soldiers in camp here seem highly elated. Band played till
after midnight last night.

Etowah Bridge, Friday, Oct. 21. After dinner our Platoon harnessed up
three teams to a wagon to go after brick for chimneys. Before starting
Dan Goodwin brought a big mail from town in which were seven for me.
Hailed a lot of stationery sent by Evie. Read my letters on my way after
brick. Went about three miles from camp. When we returned found
Lieutenant Simpson and fifteen of the boys gone to Nashville for horses
to fill up the Battery. Marching rumors again afloat. All convalescents
not able to march ordered to Chattanooga. Dan went out of our tent, five
out of the Platoon, leaving me a team to take care of until they return.

Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Oct. 22. A council was held this morning to
know whether we should put up our chimney or wait to see whether we
would leave. Decided to do all we could for our comfort, and le