nternal pain, but for a while the external agony was very great, and I
longed for a cool drink of water, but was denied it.

About the 23rd my face was swollen so as to completely close my eyes and
exclude the light of day for about twenty-four hours, which with matter
and heat, I feared, would affect them, and in vain did I plead with the
nurse to bathe them with a little water, until the doctor came next
morning, which was a priceless relief. When they began to dry I
recovered very fast. By keeping strict discipline on my finger nails, I
was soon covered with scabs large enough for an alligator, and in due
time [they] shelled off in my bed. The weather now was very cold and I
suffered some in spite of half a dozen blankets. No visitors were
allowed, but Griffith (kind soul, can I ever forget him) came often to
the gate bringing my mail and written comments from himself, which I was
permitted to answer. By keeping a lead pencil under my pillow, wrote
several letters thus, home, contrary to orders, but I knew their
anxiety.

Saturday, the 28th 3 P. M. the doctor pronounced me able to get up and
my clothes were brought to me. I was astonished to find myself so weak.
A few minutes after, two soldiers were announced at the gate with a
message for me, and I staggered out to see Griff and D. Evans, which did
me much good, but I had to return very soon. I gained now very fast,
notwithstanding a bad cold. Monday, tent-mate Dan brought in with same
malady.

Tuesday, I was sent to convalescent ward to make room for the influx.
Over 500 patients in now. From 8 to 12 die daily. I was put on guard
first night, six hours at a stretch to guard Rebs. Had the same every
night. I began to get very lonesome soon. Had to fight terribly with the
blues, much more than when in bed, and to-day, in answer to urgent
request and Captain's application, Doctor let me off. Took a bath, a new
suit of clothes, and here I am. Feel quite weak, but happy to be once
more amongst my comrades. Hospital life is not the life for me. Very
grateful am I that I have recovered so well. Will be marked
considerably, but who cares for that?

Nashville, Tuesday, Feb. 7. The ground is covered with two inches of
snow and everything frozen hard, very cold. Feel very well except a
severe cold that has been on me for a week. Our boys are doing guard
duty with muskets in town, that they drew the day I left. Twelve men go
to town every day. They do it with ill grace.