31st. Looked for rations all day. Read some in Harper’s. In evening Lt. Baird and I rode to Mossy Creek in search of rations and to make an effort to procure a mill. Put up a tent fly in the P. M. Rained till 12 P. M. and then turned awfully cold and blew a [...]

Thursday, 31st–The weather has been generally mild this month, though changeable, but today it capped the climax. There was a strong gale from the northwest, accompanied by rain and snow. This is regular muster day. The Eleventh Iowa was mustered at 10 o’clock, and we all had to fall in line by companies, and march [...]

Thursday night, December 31st, 1863. The last of eighteen sixty-three is passing away as I write. . . . Every New Year since I was in my teens, I have sought a quiet spot where I could whisper to myself Tennyson’s “ Death of the Old Year,” and even this bitter cold night I steal [...]

December 31st. Orders received to prepare for a three days’ scout. Reported we go up the valley. A cold rain storm set in before we started. Caused the marching orders to be countermanded. The regiment to remain in camp. I am detailed for picket duty. The last day of the year 1863.

DECEMBER 31st.—Yesterday the Senate passed the following bill, it having previously passed the House: “A Bill to be entitled An Act to put an end to the exemption, from military service of those who have heretofore furnished substitutes. “Whereas, in the present circumstances of the country, it requires the aid of all who are able [...]

Thursday Decr 31 1863 Alas for yesterdays Sun and balmy air and brilliant atmosphere. It has rained all day and as I now write, the rain decending upon the tin roof sounds like the roar of a Waterfall, but I like that Music. It was always charming to me to hear the rain decending upon [...]

Dec. 1—Go to Hillsboro. Call on Aunt Martha Utley. The Lord is with her. Reach Greensboro and stop with Bro. Wm. E. Edwards, near depot. Dec. 2—Conference meets in M. E. Church. Dec. 3—Army Commission reports. Dec. 4—Dr. Deems preaches funeral of Rev. J. C. Brent. Wife comes on night train. Dec. 5—Wife and I [...]