ghest rights as members of a republican government, the
right of suffrage, each man having a voice in the choice of his ruler.
And thanks to the just laws of Wisconsin, this right is not withheld
from us while far away from home battling for the right. And the issue
is understood in all its momentous importance. Shall this Union be
preserved, the war prosecuted to a successful end, with honest Abraham
at our head, or shall we resign our object after such a sacrifice
already offered to the faction that seek to place McClellan in office.
After duly qualifying the judges, Lieutenants Simpson and Jenawein and
1st Sergeant Sweet, and clerks G. Dalrymple and Q. M. Sergeant Sweet,
the polls were opened at 9 A. M. and voting was soon over with. I cast
my first ballot, a straight through Union ticket. I am seven days too
young, but I voted with a clear conscience, thinking I had earned my
right. 2 P. M. the polls were closed and votes counted, giving the
glorious result of seventy-five for Lincoln with "nary one" for "little
Mac". This made me feel proud of the command to which I belong. It shows
the true principles. On guard. Weather raining. 14th Army Corps marched
in from Kingston. Camped 2 P. M. to allow the men a chance to vote.

Etowah Bridge, Wednesday, Nov. 9. Misty and damp night. Caught a bad
cold on guard. 12th Battery took guns to town this morning, leaving them
there for us, and took ours off in exchange. All our harness is boxed
up. The infantry have struck tents, turned them over and expect to start
on the morrow. 14th Corps lay quiet all day. Trains are being loaded
with camp and garrison equipage, contrabands and refugees. From all
appearances this line is to be abandoned, and Sherman is about to strike
a telling blow upon the Confederacy. My knapsack is packed and I await
orders.

WATCHING HOOD

[Sidenote: 1864 A Busy War Town]

Enroute, Thursday, Nov. 10. A bright and beautiful day. On detail after
rations in the morning. Cartersville presenting a very busy appearance,
filled with teams. Our troops turning camp and garrison equipage over to
be sent. Refugees of every age, color and description are on every
corner. Now that a general abandonment of the line is apprehended all
are anxious to avoid further misery in the Confederacy. Returned to camp
to eat a hearty dinner, and then broke camp and went to town. Did not
get loaded till 9 P. M. Everything put up in the smallest space. After
we had fill