The National tribune., 1901-12-19

fOunQlEES ny d
of hardship and danger ahead. Our brl-
gade was exercised pretty much all day
In practicing the movements we Will be
called upon TO execute tomorrow IN re-
view by Gen. Thomas. Very little time
was given us for the observance of the
Sabbath, but unfortunately we do not
consider this q grievance.
THE REVIEW.
"March 2S-The review did not take
place today. on account of the unexpect-
ed arrival of Gen. Sherman, who is now
sxpected to attend. Sherman has been
appointed to the command Of the Armies
of the Cumberland, Tennessee and Mis-
sissippi in place of Grant, who is now
Lieutenant eneral in command OF the
entire Army, with headquarters at wash
ington.
.March 29-The review has again
been postponed, possibly on account of the
rainy weather. The order from Division
Headquarters announcing it states that
the object is to ascertain the condition
Of the army for active service. 1t is GER
tain that our regiment is not prepared,
as we are not yet supplied with the neces-
sary wagons and camp equlpage.
March 3G-It is reported that Chatta-
noosa is full of Major Generals, who are
fhobnObbing' together in such profound
way that the high private who observed
their movements Is SulG lLts olt is'NNA
ing a plan.
sAIarch 31-The much-tailled-of review
came off today. The division was drawn
up in an open level space and performed
the erolutions of drilling and paradIng IN
the presence of Gems. Thomas and
Palmer Gen. Sherman was not present,
much TO our disappointment. The wealth
sr was perfect and the display magnlii-
cent to the lOoker-on, who could see a
whole division moved rs one man, but the
grandeur was lost TO us who trctted
around under the weight of knapsacks
and arms and with great drops OF per
spiration coursing down our cheeks. The
great majority of us cheerfully performed
our humble parts. but there were kick
ers after the parade, who said they could
see no fun in trotting around for the ben
eft Of a few shoulderstraps.
April was a beautiful Spring day,
with clear skies and balmy zephers, and
We soldiers gave expression to exuOerant
feeling in outdoor games during the day
and q dance at night. 4 solitary fiddle
furnished the music, and army shoes did
the shuffling, for slippers and the fair sex
came not within our jurisdiction. Our re-
cruits having recovered from the frost
bites of the late snow and the adhesive
grip of the late mud, now joined in the
sport with hearty enthusiasm, and sew
eral of them were heard TO say that sol
diers don't have such hard times, after
ALL"
DISTRIBUTING THE MAIL.
A heavy mail came in April 6, after
several days interruption, and the excite
ment could not have been much greater
II the enemy had arrived. The news OF
its advent spread like wildfire, and when
the bags reached the pOstmasters tent il
was Immediately surrounded with an i'm
patient, noisy crowd clamoring for letters
Being domiciIed in the same tent, my Op
portunities are first class for observing
and reporting the inside workings Of this
department.
While the letters are being assorted il
Is necessary for one of our mess TO stand
guard with a drawn sword, to prevent
forcible entrance, for the crowd acts like
starved wolves, and every crack anC
Granny Of the tent has its pair of eye.
gazing wistfully upon the heap OF letters
In hope OF catching glimpse of a long
expected misSive from sweetheart, RELATIVE
or friend When the letters are arranged
q score of voices cry, Give me A." AL
equal number call for "B," and so OF
through the list of companies. Such il
the ordinary reception of the mail, bu
today the excitement was increased b.
the delay in its arrival. If our home
folks could look upon this scene and es
pecially mark the disappointment on th'
faces OF those who receive nothing, W.
are sure they would write more frequently
Speaking of letters reminds us that OH
greatest fad" at present is writing 10 un
known correspondent. He is poor, lone
some "chump" who does not receive
feminine missive every week. One of M
messmates writes wonderful accounts o
his adventures and hair-breadth escapes
which keep his fair correspondent in
continual state of agitation, as she az
pears to think he must surely be capture
or killed very soon as the result of hi
desperate fOrays; but we know the onl
danger is the dreadful strain" on hi
Imagination.
The Waverly Magazine publishes
dozen columns of addresses of soldiers an
fair ones desiring correspondence. Th
latter usually describe themselves as "fuI
loving girls"
BATTLEFIELD OF CHICKAMAUGA.
A party of FIVE, including myself, start
ed the morning OF April 20 TO visit tn
battlefield of Chickamauga. We had TO z
well armed, as it is still disputed territor
and lies between our picket line and tina
OF the enemy. We enjoyed the walk o
6yc miles beyond our pickets through
country blooming with numberless flower.