Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.
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view of the little town of Purdy, and the surrounding country.
The sun has just gone down, and this is the hour when I love to be alone for meditation on the works and nature of the great Creator.
I form good resolutions, but alas, how soon they are shaken like a reed by the wind, when I descend from the mount and walk along the dusty highways of the busy world.
March 26th.—On guard to-day.
The quiet of our camp was broken by a false alarm, caused by our cavalry.
Fielding Hunt and his gang keep out of danger.
March 28th.—The weather is so mild and pleasant that I could not resist the inclination to bathe, and as I had not changed my clothing for four weeks, I washed my clothes and hung them out to dry while I was in the water.
March 29th.—Awoke this morning, after a very uncomfortable night, feeling quite unwell from the effects of my imprudence.
Company drill in the morning, and battalion drill in the afternoon.
Sunday, March 30th.—This morning the solemn peals of the church bells, summoning the people to the house of prayer, reminded me that this was the day of our Lord.
After inspection, I mechanically followed the crowd, and soon found myself seated in the house of God.
The preacher dwelt upon the goodness of God, and made an urgent appeal to the soldiers to cease cursing and blaspheming the name of their Creator and best friend.
March 31st.—My company is on picket to-day.
I was excused from duty on the ground of sickness.
Remained in camp all day, and spent the time in reading a temperance novel.
April 2nd.—The enemy are reported advancing, and are said to be only five miles away.
If the report is correct, we may look for warm work to-morrow.
Am feeling quite unwell, but hope to report for duty before we are ordered to meet the enemy.
April 3d.—The regiment is under marching orders, and the sick are to be sent by rail to Corinth.
I am not well enough to march, and am compelled to go to Corinth with the invalid corps.
I hope, however, to rejoin the regiment before they meet the foe.
Richmond, VA. 1883.
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