Thursday, 25th–General Rosecrans’s division passed here today on their way to Memphis. This is rather a gloomy, dry Christmas. We are still on half rations. But in spite of it, the boys are all enjoying themselves. They are taking everything that they can lay their hands on, carrying to their tents couches, rockers, chairs, tables, [...]

Thursday, 25th. Rather a quiet day for Christmas. Wonder how the folks at home have spent the day, happily I hope. Received a note through A. B. Went over and had a good visit with him. Told me some encouraging things. Not much faith! In the evening wrote some. Saw Dwight Burrell. The day has [...]

December 25th, 1862.—We reached home on the 24th but it is not like Christmas. No frolicking for anybody as Cousin Martha died yesterday morning and will be buried here tomorrow. Everybody loved her and grieves that she has gone. Aunt Sue is in trouble, for little Mary Eliza is sick unto death and Father and [...]

DECEMBER 25th, CHRISTMAS DAY.—Northern papers show that there is much distraction in the North; that both Seward and Chase, who had resigned their positions, were with difficulty persuaded to resume them. This news, coupled with the recent victory, and some reported successes in the West (Van Dorn’s capture of Holly Springs), produces some effect on [...]