e sweet to
the soldier's unaccustomed palate, and rendered doubly so by the
knowledge that they came from home, from the loved ones that are so
anxiously noting our career and awaiting our return. Would that they at
home could know the warm though rough thanks bestowed upon the donors.
May God bless their thoughtfulness.

Fort Gillem, Tuesday, Dec. 27. A pleasant day. On guard, second relief.
Detail off ditching new camp ground. Parker and John Rogers gone to the
hospital, both quite sick.

Glorious news from Sherman. He presents Savannah as a Christmas gift to
Old Abe, which reminds me of our Christmas dinner, none the less
appreciated because a day behind hand. The hard-tack on which we have
lived since the first of the month laid to-day untouched, also the "sow
belly", as chicken, cake and butter were the dishes. It is the theme of
much "music" in camp. Spring Green gets the praise. Sanitary
[Commission], the next best thing to a box from home, gave us several
onions apiece. May their labors be rewarded. Bridge burned between here
and Louisville. No mail.

Nashville, Wednesday, Dec. 28. Struck tents 8 A. M. and moved on the
Harding Pike nearer town. I was left behind to load the teams as they
returned after camp equipage, boards, etc. Guarded the new camp by 3 P.
M. Was agreeably surprised to find them busy at work building quarters,
raising their tents. Shakes three feet long furnished to be nailed up
and down. I fell in too, and by night we had the tent stretched on a
neat wall three feet high. Was quite tired. Our horses are stabled about
a quarter of a mile off in government stables, making it very
inconvenient for drivers. Griff over with them on guard all day. Ordered
to be ready for grand inspection by Major Welker.

Nashville, Thursday, Dec. 29. Last night was bitter cold. Most of us
suffered severely, being but poorly fixed, but the sun came out a little
this morning, warming us a little. To-day has presented another of those
[scenes] that can nowhere be found outside the soldiers' camp, when
everybody is busy acting as his own carpenter, mason, cabinet maker. All
have to meet their own wants and busily have we all worked. We have got
our bunks up, one above the other. I went to town this afternoon after
an additional length of pipe to reach through the tent. Everybody is in
good spirits over the good news. Rumors prevalent that we are soon to
start for Sherman.

Nashville, Friday, Dec. 30. A w