attanooga; "A
right smart ways" to dry valley; "A good chance" to the next house;
"Only a bit" to the spring. As night drew on we felt our fatigue and we
sought shelter. Asked one man for the privilege of lying down on his
porch out of the dew, but he said he "never made a practice of keeping
no one", so we concluded to bivouac with a small squad of negro soldiers
who were out logging. Having traveled at least fifteen miles we could
rest anywhere.

Chattanooga, Thursday, June 22. Daylight found us snoring away in a most
ridiculous condition, wallowing in the sand around the negroes' fire,
but I had a good night's rest. We pulled out early, breakfasted on
blackberries, hard-tack and cold water from the spring, then made for
camp. It was very hot before we reached it, by 9 A. M. Tired indeed, but
of the many excursions of the kind I have participated in, I never
enjoyed one better.

But things had changed wonderfully while we were gone. Camp in an
uproar. Before I entered the tent, a two-months' furlough was thrust in
my face, of one of our boys disapproved at Thomas's headquarters,
because it is said light artillery would soon be mustered out. This they
thought was convincing evidence that we are homeward bound. Yesterday's
mail brought Keeler's commission as second lieutenant, and before night
he was mustered in. To-day he wears the straps in all his dignity,
officer of the day. Can't touch him with a ten foot pole. Quartermaster
Sergeant Malish promoted to first sergeant, Hiram James quartermaster
sergeant and M. Dziewanowski reinstated as first gun sergeant. The
latter gives much satisfaction. Lieutenant Waite and his remnant of the
3rd Wisconsin Battery reported here this morning to be consolidated on
orders dated in May. Owing to recent orders Captain Simpson will not
receive them. They have gone into "pup tents."

Chattanooga, Friday, June 23. After a good night's rest, I feel very
tired yet. It will take some time to get over the effects of that tramp.
Some batteries are cleaning up ordnance, etc. The reserve is gradually
dissolving. The command will undoubtedly go home together when it goes
at all. Assistant Inspector General ---- inspected all our condemned
goods, knapsacks and Company property.

Chattanooga, Saturday, June 24. A dull, quiet morning until 9 A. M. when
I was ordered to the guard house for duty. Three of us reported there.
We were to guard prisoners to work on the road leading to water.