Wednesday, 4th–Company drill in the forenoon and battalion drill in the afternoon. We get the St. Louis papers in camp every morning and keep posted on the movements of all parts of the army in the field.
4th. Was obliged to work hard in the commissary.
WEDNESDAY 4 Mercury at 24 this morning, the air pure and bracing, in the office as usual all day. Bought some wood and coal this morning, enough I think to last till “New Years.” By that time I think the Potomac will be open or clear of Batterys, but it may be closed with ice. [...]
DECEMBER 4th.—We are now tasting the bitter fruits of a too indulgent treatment of our enemies. Yesterday Gen. Stuart’s cavalry and the 6th Regiment S. C. volunteers met with a bloody disaster at Drainsville. It appears that several of the traitors arrested and sent hither by Gen. Johnston were subsequently discharged by Gen. Winder, under [...]
4th.–The story of yesterday’s fight is all bosh. There were no two hundred prisoners taken–no fifteen killed–no fight–not a rebel seen! Munchausen must have been the legitimate son of a camp, or rather, the camp must be the legitimate progenitor of the whole race of Munchausen. But it is surprising how camp life enhances the [...]
December 4th.–To Arlington, where Senator Ira Harris presented flags–that is, standards–to a cavalry regiment called after his name; the President, Mrs. Lincoln, ministers, generals, and a large gathering present. Mr. Harris made a very long and a very fierce speech; it could not be said Ira furor brevis est; and Colonel Davies, in taking the [...]