eme Being that holds our destiny in His hands.

Fort Gillem, Saturday, Dec. 3. Our rest was unbroken. The day was very
wet and camp muddy. Still we await a general engagement, and active
preparations are taken to receive him, [the enemy]. Every hour he delays
renders his chances of success more uncertain. Strong forts are going up
on every knoll connected by rifle pits thrown up in genuine military
order, and all of the citizens are out at work. Government employees
arrive and drill daily. The rebel skirmish line is under Fort Negley
this afternoon and Hood's movements are still uncertain. A large force
has gone up the Cumberland, and if they don't look out, they will be in
their rear.

This evening we could see artillery smoke on the left about sundown.
Fort Gillem has been worked at all day and is fast approaching
completion. Every platform is ready, room for thirteen guns, only six
guns in now, but seven outside. Captain Hood is in command of the fort.

And now I cannot close to-day's record without a word of the disgusting
influence around us. Our camp is right by a liquor saloon, which is sold
indiscriminately. Nearly all of a neighboring regiment are beastly
drunk, and with their unearthly yells and maniac demonstrations are
making the air hideous. Our own Battery also presents a sad sight. Last
night ---- was helplessly drunk. To-day our ----. Both good officers
when temptation is removed. Oh, why will not our officers put a stop to
this demoralization, but on the contrary, a guard is furnished this den
of the devil to protect it in its wicked work.

[Sidenote: 1864 Night Firing]

Fort Gillem, Sunday, Dec. 4. It is now 9 A. M. Have had a restless night
of it. Scarcely had we closed our eyes to sleep, ere we were aroused by
the orderly, "pack up and get ready to march immediately". Thirty-five
men under Lieutenant Simpson going to move some guns somewhere. First
Section out as soon as possible. We start under Sergeant Malish with our
blankets and haversacks, leaving Sergeant James to come after us with
knapsacks and tents. After marching on almost double quick for nearly
two hours not knowing exactly where we went, we arrived at a
half-finished bastion on the second line near our original camp.
Lieutenant Simpson was there, but the guns had not arrived. Three of the
boys unable to keep up with us were yet behind, and of course knew not
where to find us. Men were appointed to pilot them hither, and the rest