an joys.
One moment of time often turns the brightest picture into a painful
blank. 9 A. M. we started in search of a coffin. Returned at 10:30 A. M.
with a rough board one, and the undertaker took charge of it; his
brother even, not allowed to see the cold clay close over him.

In the meantime the Company had gone into the exchange barracks a mile
distant. Faint for want of breakfast we followed and procured a good
substantial meal, which answered for both breakfast and dinner. Captain
Simpson reported as ordered to General Thomas. Received instructions to
return the detached men to their command. The 3rd to proceed with us to
the States; the 8th boys must go back to Murfreesboro, a disappointment
to them. Transportation procured. We expect to leave for Louisville 7:50
P. M. The 1st Illinois and Battery E, 1st Ohio, to go along. All are
much pleased with our good luck in getting off so soon. Nashville is the
same as ever, a low-down, demoralized hole.

Soldiers' Home, Louisville, Ky., Saturday, July 1. 7 A. M. We have
completed another ride in the dark, of 183 miles. Rode in second-class
passenger cars, very crowded, and no sleep. Have had a splendid
breakfast (for soldiers) at the Soldiers' Home. Served in a manner which
reminds us very forcibly that we are nearing civilization. Officers are
working for the boys handsomely, will try to get us off 5 A. M. This
hall is a musical one just now; four of the batteries, light
artillery--all going home.

Kokomo, Ind., Sunday, July 2. Crossed the Ohio River yesterday about
noon, into "God's country" as the boys call it. Said assertion was
rendered true, having a good dinner at the Soldiers' Home. But when they
put us in cattle cars two hours late, to go North, the spirit dampened.
Started at 2 P. M. northward, an extra train, made slow time.

Now we travel through a country never darkened with slavery and
rebellion. The contrast was very great. I almost imagined I was
transferred into the Elysian fields of mythology. The fields teemed with
golden harvest, grain nearly all cut, droves of cattle grazed in rich
pastures of tame grass, pretty little children could be seen gathered
around district school-houses, and sweet girls appeared in neat calicoes
with "nary" a "swab" in their mouths. Above all, we were welcomed. White
handkerchiefs are waved enthusiastically from every house and hamlet,
stars and stripes were thrown out triumphantly to the breeze as we
passed along,