Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Saturday, 15th–It rained all day and we had no drill. No news. We have the Sibley tents now and are in good shape for cold weather. The tents are large, one accommodating eighteen or twenty men, and it is supported by a center pole which rests on a tripod. Fires are built on the ground floor in the center and there is a round hole at the top of the tent for the smoke to escape. The men sleep in Indian fashion with their feet to the fire.