ut up permanent quarters. In the afternoon on wood detail.
Went three miles to Mission Ridge, got wood. To-day is the anniversary
of Washington's birthday, and a grand salute was fired in honor, 12 M.
Commenced from Old Lookout, followed by all the principal forts. A big
pile of mail received to-day, none for me.

[Sidenote: 1865 Camping in the Rain]

Chattanooga, Thursday, Feb. 23. Rain! rain! all night and all day
without intermission, very heavy, wind driving it through our tents
which are getting old, making it very disagreeable in quarters as well
as out. Passed the day closely around the stove, cracking jokes and
telling camp stories. At night carried sawdust in sacks to make our bed
dry, and rolled in. Who cares if it rains.

Chattanooga, Friday, Feb. 24. The rain ceased but it remained cloudy and
damp. Morning spent in attending to the domestic department, washing,
etc. Mail came, bringing me four splendid letters, one from my old
father in the good old Welsh tongue. I prize it above all others. Detail
made to go and begin to get out timber for quarters. Estimates made for
clothing, all required to draw full uniform. Three loads of troops
passed toward Knoxville. Enemy reported threatening that place.

Chattanooga, Saturday, Feb. 25. Found our tent collapsed this morning by
the big winds and heavy rains, which did not stop to let us stake it up,
but kept on raining all day in a most furious manner, relieved by
violent flashes of lightning and thunder. Everybody kept in doors, where
they became somewhat soaked.

Chattanooga, Sunday, Feb. 26. A bright, beautiful day, affording us an
opportunity to dry our clothes and blankets. On guard, second relief.
Had to stay in camp. Griff went to church. The day passed quickly. Read
_Christian Enquirer_ which the mail brought me, and wrote to John. In
the beautiful twilight the boys turned out to enjoy athletic sports,
jumping, running, etc. All apparently as merry as though a sorrow they
knew not, a picture for the weeping ones at home.

Chattanooga, Monday, Feb. 27. A pleasant day, quite hot midday. Sergeant
Hutchinson and twelve men gone to Mission Ridge to chop timber for
quarters. The remainder of the Company clearing off our new camping
ground most of the day. I was exempted, being on guard. One hundred and
twenty new sabres for the guards and a load of quartermaster and
ordnance stores drawn. Griff having sold our sugar, it falls upon me to
invest it i