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

in my tent, it was so muddy. Turned in at 9 P.M.
Sunday, Nov. 10th. Turned out about 6. The sky was clear
and the sun shining brightly. Had orders for an inspection
with packs at 9 A.M. Got all ready and turned out with the
regiment. I had only got on the parade ground when I had to
leave and go on guard. Was on the second relief. Pleasant
day until evening, when it became cloudy and cold. Heard
through the day that our Gen'l "Keyes" was to be taken from
us to be made a major general and that our colonel was to
succeed in the command of the brigade. If Keyes leaves us, I
hope it may be so.
Monday, Nov. 11th. Spent a very cold night on guard. Came
off at 8 1/2 A.M. The regiment turned out for brigade drill
at 9 o'clock. Marched over the railroad, but the brigadier
not being on hand, a battalion drill was gone through. I was
[45] not there. I don't like to turn out to drill after being on
guard 24 hours. After about 12, the brigade was drawn up in
columns of battalions to listen to Gen'l Keyes' farewell
address. he delivered a most stirring address of which I
remember the substance but not the words. Some of the
colonels present proposed to have the men uncover to listen
to him but he would not allow it. Then the order was read
investing Col. Sullivan with the temporary command of the
brigade. Ye gods, how mad our colonel looked to think a
junior got it and he being the senior colonel of the brigade.
He proposed three cheers for Sullivan, but it did not go
down very well indeed. We were paid off for the months of
September and October. I received $26.00, not owing the
sutler anything. Received a letter from my wife. Put $20.00
aside to send her. Felt rich with six dollars in my pocket.
Paid a few debts, which left me about 4.00, which I intend
to keep until I get a chance to go to Washington. Turned in
about 9 1/2 P.M., all right.
Tuesday, Nov. 12th. Arose this morning about 6 1/2 A.M.
Fine morning, clear and warm. Real indian summer weather.
Inspection at the usual time. Thought I would take a tramp
today. Started off about 9 o'clock. Went to Hunter's
Chapel. Went to see our old camp ground. Hardly knew it.
What we left - heavy woods - I found as bare of timber as
[if] a tree never grew on it. Went to Arlington and down the
road and down the road towards Alexandria. Having no pass,
durst not go into the town. Stopped at a house on the
outskirts and got a drink of lemonade. Could not find
anything stronger. Started to come back. Was riding along
on a waggon horse. Met John La Mountain, the balloonist. He
laughed to see me. I suppose he thought, how different from
my occupation six months ago. Returned to Arlington and
stopped to a house for supper. Had pork, cabbage, potatoes,
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