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MR. EDITOR: —
Our changes are so sudden and frequent that when we commence a
letter we know not where we may finish it. When we awake in the
morning the question naturally presents itself, where will we
sleep the next night? When we lie down, where may morning find
us?
We left the Yocknapatafa river on the 18th, about
2 P. M.; advanced three and a-half miles and encamped that
night. And next day the boys worked hard to make their camp pleasant,
clearing off the ground and putting their tents in the most comfortable
manner the circumstances would permit. About sundown all were
expressing their delight that everything was in good order, and
comfortably fixed for a cozy, happy night's rest. Here and there
lay a quarter of beef, a hog or sheep, which they boys had confiscated,
and expected to enjoy an extraordinary supper and breakfast.
But before supper was cooked, an order came to move camp immediately.
Twenty minutes were given to strike tents and pack up, which
was done, and we were off on our march without supper.
We encamped that night at Water Valley, or rather
that morning. Our Brigade, as usual, is selected for these sudden
moves, and for outpost duty. This is imposed upon us in consequence
of being under Illinois power. This Brigade is now six or eight
miles in advance of the other Brigades of our Division; which
subjects us to much heavy duty, such as repairing the roads, heavy
picket duty, and great vigilance to guard against surprise. We
are to be up every morning, and in line of battle at 5 A. M.,
and stand thus till after sunrise. But we soon get to enjoy this
rather than shun it; and are glad that it is in the sunny South,
where we do not freeze.
The Seventy-Eighth are encamped on a lot owned by
a school teacher, who has his little school room a few rods from
his humble dwelling. His room we have converted into a hospital;
and are treating the owner and family kindly on account of his
impoverished condition. His little children are crying for bread,
and eat our crackers with the utmost gratification and palatable
relish. They have, by great exertion, procured one meal per day.
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