n bread to lengthen our rations. Lieutenant Sweet gave an
order on Sanitary Commission for ten rations which I obtained at six
cents per ration, cheap, plenty of bread now. No mail for me. Troubled
considerably with rheumatism.

Chattanooga, Tuesday, Feb. 28. A fine day. Company formed 12 M. in best
clothes for muster and inspection by regular inspecting officer. Quite
strict as to the appearance of the men. Orderly Sergeant ---- called the
muster roll while he looked on. Here as elsewhere showed his
incompetency, and the Company was heartily ashamed of him. Detail gone
to the hills, returned loaded with stakes which they had gobbled.

Chattanooga, Wednesday, March 1. Cloudy and looks like rain, but we
moved camp and by night we were all fixed. Our pleasant camp commands a
splendid view of the Tennessee River both above and below, which is now
very high. It used to be occupied by general hospital. Teams out all day
again.

Chattanooga, Thursday, March 2. Rained fine and constant all night and
all day, but we are dry and comfortable in our bed of sawdust. Read
Tennyson's new poem _Enoch Arden_ this forenoon, and think it one of
the finest poems I have ever read in English. Wrote to T. L. and read an
old _Atlantic Monthly_ in the afternoon. No mail for me.

Chattanooga, Friday, March 3. On guard. Very wet day. Rained all day and
night. Mail arrived with a letter from T. L. All very well with the
exception of dear mother. She still is suffering severely. How much
longer can her frail nature withstand it? It is hard to give her up here
and never more to see her loving face. Must she go without welcoming her
Jenk's return? But still I feel it would be better for her to leave her
troubles and sufferings, and go to the land where her treasures are,
there to enjoy endless day.

Chattanooga, Saturday, March 4. Heavy thunder and lightning last night,
with the rain pouring down while I was walking my muddy beat. To-day it
cleared up a little. Heavy detail after timber. Another to work in camp
hewing logs. Policed camp in the afternoon. This is the day on which
Abraham Lincoln is to be inaugurated. President for the second time.
After four years tempestuous sailing 'mid terrible breakers he has
carried the good old ship of state through. May his second voyage know
more sunshine, and be as successful as before. News is meager. Rumors of
the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg follow up the confirmation of
the fall o