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

to find such good shelter.
until next morning.
Made up my mind to stay there
Sunday, February 2nd. the 20th N.Y.S.M. relieved us abut 9
A.M. Felt glad, as I was very sleepy, not having slept much
through the night as I would lay down until I would get
chilled through, then get up and sit by the fire until I got
warm again, and so on through the night. Was glad when
[69] morning came. Got to camp about 1 P.M. Found that Tom
Abbott's wife had come in to see him, having heard that we
were going south. I imagine that she intends staying, if
possible, but Tom cannot get a tent. Another thing, I don't
think the captain likes it much. Expected a letter from my
wife surely, as it is now overdue four days. No papers
either. She must be sick. Then if she was, somebody else
would write. Looks equally off to windward.
Monday, Feb. 3d. Cold, rainy, and snow. No inspection.
Tuesday, Feb. 4th. No letter yet. Something wrong.
Wednesday, Feb. 5th. Mud, snow, and rain. No letter.
Thursday. Received orders at our morning parade to be ready
at 11 1/2 A.M. for the long expected inspection. All your
dry goods on your back. Was inspected by [a] major of
McDowell's staff. What the purport of it is, no one knows.
Was courtmartialed this afternoon for my offence of January
24th. Would not be allowed to call wittnesses in my favor.
Was very mad. No use, though. At dress parade, all that
were tried were marched out in front of the regiment and
their sentences read off. Mine was to be fined one dollar.
Glad it was not worse. Would not like to stand on a barrel.
Friday, Feb. 7th. Detailed for guard this morning on the
second relief. Awful muddy walking. I think we will have a
fine night for it.
Saturday, Feb. 8th. Came off guard at 9 o'clock, both sleepy
and cold. The night was pleasant. The long wished for
letter from my wife came at last and one from my faraway
sister also. My wife had written to me some ten days before,
at the same time sending me seventy-five cents worth of
stamps, but the letter miscarried, I suppose, as I never
received it. I must write my sister some, as I have not
written to her in about ten months. Heard that a large
[70] quantity of picks, shovels, and axes had come to the regiment
for to clear and make roads when we go forward, I suppose.
Turned in early, as I was tired and sleepy.
Sunday, Feb. 9th. Dry and cold. Nothing of importance
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