DECEMBER 22d.—Averill has escaped, it is feared. But it is said one of his regiments and all his wagons will be lost. Gen. Longstreet writes (16th instant) that he must suspend active operations for the want of shoes and clothing. The Quartermaster-General says he sent him 3500 blankets a few days since. There are fifty-one [...]

21st. Remaining troops paid off. About noon went down to the 2nd Ohio and to my unspeakable joy found a letter from Fannie. How long I have suffered from anxiety and suspense. I love the dear child more than ever, if such a thing be possible. I answered it during the evening. Col. Purington got [...]

Monday, 21st–The Eleventh Iowa furnished the provost guard for the city, though I had to go with a picket squad.

DECEMBER 21st.—We have dispatches to-day from Western Virginia, giving hope of the capture of Averill and his raiders. Such is the scarcity of provisions, that rats and mice have mostly disappeared, and the cats can hardly be kept off the table.

December 21st.–Joe Johnston has been made Commander-in-chief of the Army of the West. General Lee had this done, ’tis said. Miss Agnes Lee and “little Robert ” (as they fondly call General Lee’s youngest son in this hero-worshiping community) called. They told us the President, General Lee, and General Elzey had gone out to look [...]

Sunday, 20th. June and I rode to cross roads, but got no rations,–discouraging and disgusting the way things run. Leavitt is no man. Returned to camp. McDowell paying off our brigade. Drew pay while Lieutenant–State Agent here. Sent $250 home and paid all my debts, including servants. A cold night, read some in “Scottish Chiefs.” [...]

Sunday, 20th–Quite pleasant weather. We had our regular company inspection at 9 o’clock today with dress parade at 5 o’clock.

December 20th. Bitter cold. Out on picket last night on the Duffield road. Duffield is on the line of the B. & O. R. R. about eight miles from this town. Detailed to go out for wood. Teams going outside of camp must be kept well guarded, owing to bushwhackers and guerillas. While some of [...]

Sunday Dec. 20th 1863. Went to the Capitol this morning at 11 o’ck and heard Rev John Lord (the Lecturer) preach, subject the “Sorrows of Knowledge,” took his text from Solomon, or Ecclesiastes, 1 chapter last verse, “For in much wisdom is much grief and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” He dwelt upon the [...]

DECEMBER 20th.—We have nothing new yet from Averill’s raiders; but it is said Gen. Lee has set a trap for them. From East Tennessee there is a report that a battle has taken place somewhere in that region, but with what result is not yet known. There is much consternation among the Jews and other [...]

19th. Up quite early in the morning and sent word to the details and to Leavitt. June came up with two wagons. Got 975 meal. 4th Army Corps camped near Cross roads. Saw Ed. Brice, orderly for Gen. Hazen, 41st near by. A good many troops here now. Sleep in a bed again tonight.

Greasy Cove, Jackson Co., Ala., December 19, 1863. On examination of my pockets this morning, I find a letter I wrote you a week since. Will mail it this morning and tell you the late news in another dispatch. You notice we have again changed our camp, and you’ll probably admire the classic names they [...]

Saturday, 19th–All is quiet around Vicksburg, and the weather is quite mild and pleasant, though quite cold at night. Our camp was cleaned up for inspection. I was out on picket again, though on higher ground than the previous time out.

Saturday Dec. 19th 1863 I am still rooming at Mr Bartle[tt]s 379 11th St where I take my breakfast at 8 o’clock a.m. I dine at Doct Munsons 442 9th st at 5 o’clock. My room, board, & fuel costs me about $1.00 pr day. I furnish my own fuel and burn wood which is [...]

DECEMBER 19th.—Bright and cold. A resolution passed Congress, calling on the President to report the number of men of conscript age removed from the Quartermaster’s and Commissary’s Departments, in compliance with the act of last session. The Commissary-General, in response, refers only to clerks—none of whom, however, it seems have been removed. Capt. Alexander, an [...]

December 19th.–A box has come from home for me. Taking advantage of this good fortune and a full larder, have asked Mrs. Davis to dine with me. Wade Hampton sent me a basket of game. We had Mrs. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Preston. After dinner we walked to the church to see the Freeland-Lewis [...]

18th. Got 2nd O. and 7th O. details running mills. Bought some beef cattle and settled some accounts. Various orders for the brigade. Uncertain about its movements. McDowell paying off 2nd Brigade. Our Brigade to be paid off soon. A cold day. Water frozen. I am so anxious to hear from Fannie. I am miserable [...]

Friday, 18th–No news. Our camps are good and there will be no suffering since we have plenty of wood for fuel. The boys feel quite lively staying in camp so long at one time, but I think a march would do us all some good.

DECEMBER 18th.—Yesterday evening the battalion of clerks was to leave for Western Virginia to meet the raiders. After keeping them in waiting till midnight, the order was countermanded. It is said now that Gen. Lee has sent three brigades after Averill and his 3000 men, and hopes are entertained that the enemy may be captured. [...]

17th. Boys with no rations last night and none this morning. Started details this afternoon. Issued meal in evening. Brigade marched three miles, little northwest of cross roads. Hdqrs. at Sawyer’s, he away. Brigade ordered to the front. Cold night. Beef killed but not issued. Col. permitted me to remain. Expecting brigade back tomorrow night.

Thursday, 17th–It cleared off and has turned quite cold, consequently the boys not on duty keep pretty close to the fires in their tents. There are no “chuck luck” banks in operation now—it is too cold, and then the boys’ money is all gone.

December 17th. A severe, cold storm, rain freezing on the ground and trees. The people in town say the Yankees brought the cold weather with them. Claim the weather is colder than it has been for years. Most of the houses here not built very warm. The people suffer from the cold, have only wood [...]

DECEMBER 17th.—Averill (Federal) made a raid a day or two since to Salem (Roanoke County, Va.), cutting the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, destroying the depot, bridges, court-house, etc. Gen. J. E. Johnston has been ordered to take command of Bragg’s army. I saw a communication from Lieut.-Col. Ruffin (Commissary Bureau), suggesting the trade of cotton [...]

16th. Long, Normaldorf and I went ahead and lay down by a fire. Went back early to command and took breakfast on popcorn, rather weak subsistence. Our brigade in rear. Remained two hours after command left. Rebels soon commenced work and we fell back and soon took positions. 7th O. V. C. in rear. Rebels [...]