rits should be
exuberant, aye, even intoxicated with delight. But pen and paper is
altogether too tame on such occasions. I'll write no more.

Chattanooga, Tuesday, April 11. Lee has no doubt surrendered! but it did
not stop detailing in camp. I was one of the lucky ones to report to the
Inspector General (a man from each Battery) 8 A. M. And we went to work
on a miniature "Dutch gap canal", two large ponds of stagnant water
lying between the camps were to be drained and carried off to the river.
And by supper time we had the satisfaction of knowing that it was not a
failure like Butler's, but carried off ague and diarrhea with a rush. Am
a little tired but do not regret the labor bestowed.

Chattanooga, Wednesday, April 12. Another of the many rainy days that we
have to experience in this country, a continuous stream poured down all
day. Had to water the horses twice, doing which I got thoroughly soaked
each time, but it would not be military to change.

Received letters from home stating they had their wheat all in. Here
the trees are not in leaf yet, although spring has opened six weeks ago.
What little farming is done here goes on very leisurely, while Wisconsin
gives the husbandman but a short season, and he must go at it with a
rush. So give me the cold regions, that demand energy, in preference to
the balmy South that cultivates sluggish habits after all. This is a
great cause of the backwardness of Southern agriculture. As long as the
one-horse shovel-plow, made out of a crooked stick works, why should
they ask for better, they think. But the day of reformation is at hand.
Progression has vindicated her rights by the bloody hand of war.

Chattanooga, Thursday, April 13. A sunny day, but Chattanooga is sick
with its nature element, viz mud, thick and thin, wherever we go. On
duty all day. Did not work hard. Took our horses out grazing, outside
the picket this afternoon. Rather small picking. Gathered a beautiful
bouquet of delicate spring flowers, violets, forget-me-nots, sweet
williams, etc. I wish I could carry them to mother's sick room. Track
out of order somewhere. No mail. Six men from the works reported to
Captain Hood, formerly 3rd Battery men.

Chattanooga, Friday, April 14. On guard once more, and eight hours more
of the rebellion to be trod out by night. The day is very pleasant.
Grazed my horses and Griff's as usual. Men are scarce to take care of
all the horses. Those not on duty drilled