Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 10.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

[566] great Republic, from the shores of the Atlantic to the golden beach of the Pacific, from the snow-clad hills of the north to the land of flowers and tropic fruit. Now it is celebrated by the South on the tented field, and by the North, by the assembling of the remnant of our National Congress to devise means for the subjugation of a brave and independent people, who have risen in their might, and thrown off the yoke of a corrupt and oppressive government, hostile to our institutions, and totally at variance with Southern customs and manners. The morning of the 4th July dawned bright and clear on the tented fields of Randolph. At eleven o'clock the band of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment marched to the Headquarters of the Thirteenth Tennessee, playing the Marseilles hymn. Major H. S. Bradford, a truly eloquent man, and a brave soldier made an oration to the troops, which was received with great enthusiasm. After the oration, I remained in the camp of the Thirteenth Tennessee and dined with some friends of the Yancey rifles. At four o'clock we had battalion drill. The regiment formed on the parade ground, and under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Marcus J. Wright marched to an old wheat-field about a mile from camp, where we were drilled for about two hours. The weather was intensely hot and many of the boys were compelled to fall out of ranks, so great was the fatigue. The day was closed with speaking by the captains of the several companies; many privates also addressed their fellow-soldiers, among whom were James Brett, Jr., Eldridge Wright, and a son of the lamented General Haskell. So ended our first Confederate fourth of July.

Sunday, July 7th.--A beautiful Sabbath morning. Spent the morning writing letters, when I should have been attending the preaching service. Try and excuse myself, but conscience reproves me. Captain Gennette was to day elected Major, and Mr. Haskell chaplain of the regiment. Why was the election held on the Sabbath?

July 8th.--Drilled in skirmish drill for about two hours this morning. Very warm day. Suffered from the heat. Cleaned my gun, and read Plutarch's comparison of the lives of Numa and Lycurgus.

July 11th.--Received from home some flannel shirts and letters. Spent the day playing chess, reading Macauley's History of England, and drilling. Drilled in skirmish drill for four hours this morning, and bayonet exercise in the evening.

July 12th.--On picket guard for twenty-four hours. Carried Macauley along, and read one hundred and twenty pages during the intervals of relief.

Sunday, July 14th.--Regimental guard mounting this morning for