laid down at 11 P. M. Had not gotten asleep before we were again called
out to unload forty-eight boxes of ammunition and get our knapsacks, the
wagons having come. It was now midnight and we saw the flash of
artillery firing, followed by the subdued report very frequently. Once
more we took our boots off (ordered not to take any more off) and slept.

A very little before this, guns arrived, five twelve-pounders, five
arsenals, three to stay here, two to go with Sergeant James a quarter of
a mile to the right. Rolled up blankets, slung knapsacks, and started
with him. It was dark and chilly, arising suddenly from sleep had
chilled me through and I shivered terribly. Still frequent reports of
cannon could be heard, but we hardly noticed that. Half past 2 A. M. we
again had our blankets unrolled and slept. Half past four, as near as we
could guess, I was aroused to take my turn on guard, one hour apiece.
Cedar rails were abundant and were used without compunction. I kept very
comfortable, meditating on the now dimly flickering camp fires, almost
ghastly.

While on post I heard the reveille sounded in an adjoining camp. Men
hastily hurried out, officers running to and fro, and they start out on
double quick, marching by our sleeping boys. Nothing could be heard but
the officers, big and small, yelling out "Close up, close up, boys,
double quick", and such hasty commands, I knew it was a new regiment.
Yes, it was the 142nd Indiana. They will get over that yet. Other old
regiments followed, but they went still and quietly. When I guessed it
was an hour I woke up the next turn, and for the fourth time crawled
close to my sleeping bedfellow. The morning sun shone brightly when I
again awoke, and I must be up, but ah! how sleepy I felt. Griff has made
some tea, and we have had bread and butter for breakfast. Workmen are
coming fast to throw up works for us. I have heard no firing yet. We are
but half a mile from Fort Gillem. We put up tents, etc.

It is now bedtime. The day has passed wearily, watching the employees
grudgingly throw up their works for our guns. Artillery firing has been
kept up all day from Fort Negley. We could not hear infantry firing.
This is the second line being made very strong, but the works are lined
with cedar rails which I don't like at all. It is apt to splinter if
struck by artillery.

Every moment of delay lessens Hood's chances of success. This evening
mail came in. I received two from brothe