cold. Dye finally reported from
furlough, six days behind time. David Carpenter also joined us, having
been relieved from duty at 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps headquarters.
He left the good old command at Pocataligo, and came via Savannah and
New York. News is splendid all around, would like to have a little from
home though.

Chattanooga, Friday, March 31. Felt much better after a good night's
rest. A very cold morning for this season. Notified by Corporal Ray to
get my breakfast early and go out to the hill to chop and load logs.
Gone all day. I found four letters when I returned, and in them I was
surprised to find the familiar faces of Sisters Mary and Ellen. Look as
they used to three years ago. I assigned them a prominent place in my
album, which is a precious treasure to me.

[Sidenote: 1865 "April Fool"]

Chattanooga, Saturday, April 1. This is "All Fools Day" as I was very
forcibly reminded this morning by a cutting "April Fool." Many besides
myself were victimized in camp. But there was no April Fool about the
morning detail, and I must come on. Nailed shakes on the stables till
dinner. After dinner, stable detail was not called out, but left to
police camp. I staid indoors and wrote two letters which I ought to have
done before, but could not find the time. Lieutenant Sweet's house
finished to-day and they have moved in. Rumors of leaving are already
afloat, generally the case when once we become comfortably established.
Good news and plenty of it.

Chattanooga, Sunday, April 2. A beautiful sunny day. On guard, but by
virtue of a little blacking on my boots or something else, appointed
orderly for the day, which is an easy thing. Carried down the mail and
brought a little back. Had all the rest of the day to myself, which I
passed very pleasantly reading and writing. At evening I felt there was
much happiness in this life if one is disposed to receive it.

VICTORY

[Sidenote: 1865 "Richmond Is Taken"]

Chattanooga, Monday, April 3. _Richmond is taken. Victory! Victory!!
Victory!!!_ After three years of long, anxious and prayerful waiting for
this crowning news, it at last comes with the verifying signatures of A.
Lincoln, U. S. Grant and E. M. Stanton. It reached camp in the shape of
an extra about 2 P. M. in but a few hours after it was known in
Washington. And when it came I was hardly able to receive it, and I
still could but fear of a contradiction that hithertofore has been so
pai