ers from T. L. What kind of
a being would I be were it not for these heavenly messengers from home.
It is they that give courage in danger, cheerfulness in camp, and happy
dreams which I expect to-night.

[Sidenote: 1864 Awaiting Hood]

Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 30. 8 A. M. In position awaiting Hood.
Unexpectedly were ordered last night at 7 P. M. to pack up blankets and
knapsacks, ready to move at a moment's warning. Playfully did we proceed
to obey, thinking we would not move, only a "scare as usual". But
immediately we were ordered to strike tents and a host of mules with
their dusky drivers came, and we thought it was big enough to move us
this time. The other batteries were under similar orders. The
long-eared animals were fastened on. Our tents and "dear little stoves"
were piled up, and with but little delay we pulled up and started toward
town, the first battery out of Camp Barry.

Marched through town via muddy streets and dark alleys, till finally we
halted about a mile and a half north of town facing northwest with a
wide open plain before us, having come about five miles. Here we came
into line and our uncouth transportation left us. It was 11 P. M. when
we laid down 'neath a placid and beautiful, starry sky. The jests and
laughs went round for some time before the hilarious spirits were
overcome by sleepiness.

This morning we arose to find four more batteries in position and
everything quiet. Aligned our guns forming an obtuse angle, facing the
northwest. Two of the batteries have gone to camp. We have had our
breakfast. Long strings of citizens, government employees, etc. are
winding their way to the front with shovel, pick and wheelbarrow, to
throw up earthworks about half a mile in our front. As yet we have but
little expectation of fighting but they may come, and it is best to be
ready. I am to act as No. 6 and I will try to do my duty as well as
possible.

Twilight. The day has gone by quietly, no sound or sight of battle yet.
Some thirty transports have arrived from Paducah loaded with General
Smith's veterans, amongst them the glorious 8th and 10th Wisconsin. The
unanimous desire of all is that they come and give us fight. We are
posted on the middle reserve line, and it is doubtful for us whether
they could come within our reach, were they to try it. The orders are to
move four rods to the right, sleep at our posts and be up at 4 A. M.
Corporals Ray and Hill with detachments out of our Bat