15 - 21 Oct 1863

Oct 15 - By taking lumber from a deserted house by permission the men are enlarging the church.  Tried to talk with a man supposed dying in 32nd hospital but he seemed averse to conversation.  Evg Col Swayne made an unpleasant remark about my having been unwilling he should have a separate candle.  Parried[?] me.

Oct 16 - A most lovely and perfect day.  Oh that our hearts might be as pure and heavenly as the atmosphere of this day.  Studied on sermon.  The poor boy at Wisconsin hospital died this morning and I officiated at his funeral at evening.  To market early.  Down town about a stove and studied with success this long evening.

Oct 17 - Had orders to move tomorrow.  Saw and talked with 2 invalids and did erands down town.  At eve a great thunder storm.  Got all through late at night.  Regret that we are ordered to move on Sunday.

Oct 18 - Lovely day.  Were up and breakfasted before day.  Off at 7 o'clock.  Mailed letters to mother and Ella.  The brigade goes.  4 regiments and 2 betteries.  Marched off.  Halted at 2:30 p.m. at Germantown.  15 miles.

Oct 19 - Lovely day.  Started before sunrise.  Marched through Collierville and encamped at Lafayette 18 miles in a low flat, high grass and weedy place.  A teasmster of the 27th thrown and ran over and killed today.  Foraged some for hungry mess.

Oct 20 - Left about 9 a.m. After waiting orders marched about 8 miles.  Encamped at Moscow.  A negro regiment [?] 2nd Tennessee* look pretty well.  Rained in the night but our tent was dry.  Rode Col's horses.

Oct 21 - Rained and blew for several miles.  Stopped.  Marched 19 miles to Saulsbury.  Quartered in an old deserted bouse.  Got a good fire and a good supper.  Wrote to Ella.

* The Union 2nd Regiment Tennessee Heavy Artillery (African Descent) was organized at Columbus, KY in June 1863 and served post and garrison duty at Union City, TN and Columbus KY until April 1864 under the command of Colonel Charles H. Adams.