ncluding
Battery detail. None of us sorry. Arrived in camp in the afternoon, and
built corn crib. We have the satisfaction of knowing that our "cracker
line" is once more in running order. Trains have been passing every
half hour through the day. An unexpected order was very quietly received
5 P. M. from Major Stolbrand, Corps chief of artillery, ordering us to
turn over our horses, guns and necessary equipments to the 12th Battery,
take their guns in exchange, and hold ourselves in readiness to report
at Chattanooga immediately.

Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Oct. 30. A very beautiful Sabbath spent in the
usual commonplace way. Grazed in the forenoon. The afternoon occupied in
writing to Brother John. Walked to town in the evening. No mail or news,
although trains are passing in great numbers.

[Sidenote: 1864 The "Nigger Question"]

Etowah Bridge, Monday, Oct. 31. Weather still continues enchanting. All
quiet. Expecting the 12th Battery down after our horses. Invoices taken
of ammunition, cannoneers and equipments, preparatory to being turned
over. Mustered for pay at 12 M. Four months' wages now due us. We hope
we will receive it soon. In the evening a general discussion took place
on the "nigger question", politics, etc. All agree on "Old Abe" for
president. Further than that we cannot go. I was in it on the start and
was getting earnest. When everybody began talking together, I pulled in
my teams and retired.

Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Nov. 1. In the forenoon we went out grazing
about two miles to a clover patch. In the afternoon on detail for beef.
12th Battery took twenty-three of our best horses and six sets of
harness. They bring their guns down to-morrow. A large mail came to camp
4 P. M. I received five good letters, doing me much good, one of them
from my old messmate Evie. He is now enjoying the sweets of private life
"ad libitum". The forage train that started out yesterday morning not
heard from yet. Fears entertained of their safety. Three of our wagons
with it.

Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Nov. 2. A very severe night. Rained and
stormed continually. The day not much better. Should have stayed in
doors, if I was not on guard, which is not at all pleasant. Lieutenant
Simpson and boys returned from Nashville, failed to obtain any horses.
Had a rather hard trip throughout. Nothing new. Much speculation as to
our destination.

9 P. M. the forage trains came in, and all rumors as to being captured a
cana