once interrupting a drill, but never dress-parade. For climate, by
day, we might be among the isles of Greece,--though it may be my
constant familiarity with the names of her sages which suggests that
impression. For instance, a voice just now called, near my
tent,--"Cato, whar's Plato?" The men have somehow got the impression
that it is essential to the validity of a marriage that they should
come to me for permission, just as they used to go to the master; and
I rather encourage these little confidences, because it is so
entertaining to hear them. "Now, Cunnel," said a faltering swam the
other day, "I want for get me one good lady," which I approved,
especially the limitation as to number. Afterwards I asked one of the
bridegroom's friends whether he thought it a good match. "O yes,
Cunnel," said he, in all the cordiality of friendship, "John's gwine
for marry Venus." I trust the goddess will prove herself a better lady
than she appeared during her previous career upon this planet. But
this naturally suggests the isles of Greece again.


January 7.

On first arriving, I found a good deal of anxiety among the officers as
to the increase of desertions, that being the rock on which the "Hunter
Regiment" split. Now this evil is very nearly stopped, and we are every
day recovering the older absentees. One of the very best things that
have happened to us was the half-accidental shooting of a man who had
escaped from the guard-house, and was wounded by a squad sent in
pursuit. He has since died; and this very eve-rung another man, who
escaped with him, came and opened the door of my tent, after being five
days in the woods, almost without food. His clothes were in rags, and he
was nearly starved, poor foolish fellow, so that we can almost dispense