THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865

Turned in at 9 P.M. Still raining. Received a letter from
my wife with some stamps enclosed, which I wanted very much.
Sunday, Nov. 3rd. Arose about 5 1/2 this morning. Found the
sun shining brightly but air very cold and chilly. No
service today, the chaplain not being back yet. Turned in at
9.
Monday, Nov. 4th. Turned out about 5 1/2. Felt very cold
through the night, especially my feet, which are to the
opening in the tent. Our morning inspection at the usual
time. Formed at 9 for brigade drill under Gen'l Keyes. I
think that a forward movement is intended soon from the
severe drilling which troops are getting. Knapsack drill
every day at 2 P.M. and then dress parade at 4, so that
between them all we have not much time to spare. We have had
two rations served out this evening, as it is our turn to go
picket tomorrow, to be gone 48 hours. In fine weather we
only staid 24. Now, when it is cold, we have to stay 48.
Very consistent indeed.
Tuesday, Nov. 5th. Out all ready at 9 A.M. with knapsacks to
go on picket. Were about to face in when were told we were
not for picket, as we were wanted for brigade drill under the
[42] eye of Gen'l McDowell. The left wing of the 24th relieved
their right in our stead, so we had to get a regiment of
Gen'l Wadsworth brigade to fill out the number. We were
taken over the railroad to a large field where we were
drilled for about 4 hours. It was very hard and fatiguing,
as the ground was soft and we sank every step we took.
Knapsack drill at the usual time. It looked equally to
windward. I think we will have some more rain very soon.
Turned in at 9 1/2, a trifle tired.
Wednesday, Nov. 6th. Was awakened through the night with the
rain pattering on the tent. Some of it had trickled through
on me where I lay. Arose about 6 A.M. It was still raining
and very chilly. Was detailed for to guard the railroad. It
stopped raining about 8 o'clock and began to storm and the
way it blew was a caution. There was the three of us on a
post together. We tried to erect a bough shanty but it was
no use, for as fast as we built it up, it was blown down
again but we got it to stay up about night. Our wood failed
about 10 P.M. and as it was almost impossible to go without
fire (the night was so cold), I had to start and look for
some. I got some after a while in a creek that ran close by
enough to last all night. We all got asleep one time and I
awakened nearly frozen to find the fire almost out. It was
soon replenished and I lay down to snooze it till morning.
Thursday, Nov. 7th.
Got up and shook myself about 6 A.M.
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