e and clouded brow, officers each having
three or four revolvers strapped to themselves, as they were allowed to
retain side-arms. Undoubtedly most of them were transferred from the
privates' belts before coming in. The surplus ones were thrown into the
river they say. And these were the men that had for four years made
themselves notorious by their heinous deeds, now allowed all civility. I
fear they are tame from policy, and not from principles, and will yet
give us trouble.

On guard at 7 P. M., No. 1, third relief, so I must retire in order to
get up at 11 P. M.

AWAITING DISCHARGE

Chattanooga, Friday, May 19. Rainy and disagreeable. Was wet all day
from 5 to 7. I was on post during one of the most sublime and terrific
rain storms I have ever witnessed. Two clouds of pitchy darkness swept
down upon us from different directions, enveloping all the surrounding
hills and meeting over Chattanooga. Poured rain in torrents with thunder
and lightning playing high carnival right in our midst. My poncho was
poor defense against such a storm, and I was thoroughly wetted. Feel
quite unwell, and will go to bed though it is not dark.

Chattanooga, Saturday, May 20. Last night I again suffered from chill
and very heavy fever, a type of the ague which seems to be a part of my
nature. Whatever jars my vital power is certain to bring on ague.
Suffered considerable pain under my right shoulder, experiencing some
difficulty to breathe at times, a slight attack of pleurisy, I think.
Did not arise until breakfast time, did my duty the remainder of the
day. No mail yet to speak of, five days' now due.

New excitement in camp caused by a new batch of rumors, substance of
which is that we are to take muskets and go into these forts instead of
the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery who are going home, they being but
one-year men.

Chattanooga, Sunday, May 21. A very pleasant day and I feel pretty well.
Inspection at 9 A. M., Lieut. A. Sweet in charge. Much surprised to hear
that Captain Hood has tendered his resignation, and it has been
returned accepted. Expects to leave soon for home. Waited anxiously for
the arrival of the mail this morning, but was sadly disappointed. Wrote
two long letters notwithstanding, before dinner, one to brother John, my
ever faithful weekly correspondent, the other to Sister Hannah at
Albion. Have not received a word from her this month. I fear she has
overtaxed herself again by arduous study.