January 2nd. In line all night. Not much sleep. Prisoners brought in this morning, captured by scouts, report the enemy going south, owing to the severe weather. Late this P. M. all is quiet. Our company ordered on picket for the night. A double picket line will be maintained for the night. Cold weather holds [...]
2nd. Cold, disagreeable day. Letters from home and Fannie, 1st of Jan. Both happy and sad. Made a fool of myself talking to old Brown at Hdqrs. Wrote to Fannie.
Saturday, 2d–I was detailed for picket again this morning, and the post I drew stationed me on the bottom land. It began to rain late in the afternoon and continued into the night and I was soon standing in water. I tell you, it is poor comfort on picket. The commanding officer banished three women [...]
2nd. Still cold as Greenland. Spent most of the day at the white house. What a splendid day to attack the enemy were our infantry on hand. Wrote letters home, to Fannie and Ella.
1864—January: Saturday, 2d.—Very cold. Gave John Bartly $5.00 to go on guard in my place. General routine of camp life. Prayer meetings, preaching, and debates on such subjects as “Which has the greater claim, mother or wife?” Which is the greater evil, intemperance or civil war?” As to the first decision, argument was about equal; [...]
JANUARY 2d.—Gen. Longstreet writes that it will be well to winter in East Tennessee (Rogersville), unless there should be a pressing necessity for him elsewhere. But his corps ought to be at least 20,000. He says provisions may be got in that section; and if they be collected, the enemy may be forced to leave. [...]
January, Saturday 2, 1864 Bettie and Uncle Elum went in town this morning horse-back. I sent $50. to Mr. Armstrong to get Eddie’s suite of clothes and other articles which he needs. Poor Soldiers, this bitter cold weather I wish I had money to buy every thing they need— Lieut. Spotswood went with two of [...]