27 - 30 April 1863

April 27 - Started early from Tuscumbia East.  At noon entered the lovely Tennessee valley.  Skirted by high hills, almost mountains on one of which Lagrange college was visible for miles.  Camped at Ludon.  3 good letters in evg.  Ella has some [?].

April 28 - Marched only two miles, skirmishing in front.  Troops disgrace themselves (some of other regiments by breaking into fine deserted dwelling and smashing and stealing furniture).  This is a lovely region.

April 29 - Started back toward Tuscumbia.  Saw blazing home in our rear and cotton sheds.  The Alabama and Kansas cavalry are re[?] their [?].  Gen Dodge issues an order respecting such a thing.  [Darn Mary's writing!]

April 30 - This day was appointed by Pres. Lincoln but we were on the march.  Rather a warm and dusty day.  Camped at Bear Creek.  Had a fine bath in a stream.  These marches are tiresome.  In evg we talked over old times in Columbus.

19 - 22 April 1863

April 19 - Good meetings in morning and p.m. and evening.  The servants had a good meeting in p.m.  Eve just after we had got to bed orders came to prepare to move.  After busy preparations we left on cars at about 2:30.  I took a horse.  Left memoranda of my distribution business.

April 20 - Passed through Corinth and got to Glendale Miss.  The rest of the Ohio bridage passed us at noon and on we marched through flowery forests of the south.  Halted near Burnsville and bivoacked on cedar [?].  Very tired.

April 21 - On the march at about 8.  Impressed with the size of an army and train.  A pleasant march.  P.m. came in rain and some mud.  Through Iuka, a beautiful watering place, almost deserted.  Made 18 miles and overtook Gen. Dodge's army at Bear Creek.

April 22 - Rested this day.  Feel stiff and tired.  Camped in wood near with the rest of Gen. Dodge's army.  Eve had a small prayer meeting under the trees.