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

Washington and thought he would call over and see the boys.
Got back to camp at 1 P.M. The whole brigade was turned out
at 4 to receive Gov. Morgan, but he did not come. Turned in
early, being tired.
Saturday, Decr. 7th. Turned out at 6 1/2. Morning clear and
frosty. Had to go on guard for missing roll call. All the
rest of the regiment turned out in heavy marching order to
receive the governor. Had a large review, I was told.
Expressed himself well pleased with the looks of the boys.
Looks as if the night would be cold on guard.
[54] Sunday, Decr. 8th. Morning clear and frosty. Came off guard
at 8 1/2. Church at 10 1/2. Did not attend. Moved into
another tent with Clark and Frost. Wanted to buy a stove.
Could not get one. Dress parade at the usual time. Turned
in at 8 1/2. Had a little better quarters to sleep in than I
had in the last tent. mr [Irving? Twing?] spoke.
Monday, Decr. 9th. Nothing of any interest took place today.
Tuesday, Decr. 10th. A box of bed clothes came today.
Wednesday, Decr. 11th. The box was opened today and the
goods overhauled and looked at and amongst the contents was a
parcel which my dear wife sent me, god bless her, which
contained gloves, tippet, and several other things. It is a
wonder to me how she can contrive to save anything out of
what I send her. She must practice self-denial to be able to
send them to me. Bought a stove, for which I paid 3.55, to
be equally defrayed by the inmates of the shanty. Drills the
same as usual. Got the stove going. It makes a tent feel
100 per cent more comfortable. With such quarters as I have
now got, I can winter first rate. I think the American
soldier has no cause for complaint. With the pay he gets, he
is able to afford himself luxuries which no other soldier
can, as I well know. Turned in at 9 1/2 to a good warm bed.
If a soldier is not well lodged, he cannot do his duty, for
if he sleeps cold, all the heat which he may acquire whilst
awake will not make him feel comfortable, as I know by
experience.
Thursday, Decr. 12th. Arose at 6 1/2. Finnegan had the fire
going. Hated to get up, I felt so comfortable. Had to, if I
did not want to do an extra guard. Expended a dollar to have
my likeness taken in Ambrotype to send home, as my dear wife
has been asking me to do. Gave it to Mr. [Irving? Twing?] to
take home. He is here, I understand, trying to get
[55] his son discharged on the plea of inability, but I don't see
it. Day passed off the same as usual. Turned in at 9 1/2.
Evening clear and frosty.
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