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[380] up a very steep hill to their camping ground, about one mile from the river, returned to the boat, as the inclemency of the weather prevented the pitching of tents. Our gallant Captain marched his men up the hill and marched them down again.

May 6th, 1861.--This morning at 5 o'clock we were roused from our slumbers by the booming of cannon, fell into line, and answered to “roll call.”

Our “mess” is composed of six good fellows, among whom is “Dan,” the “baby of the regiment,” or the “infant” as some are pleased to call him. He is about six feet and three inches in height, and weighs about three hundred pounds. He has the peculiar faculty of purchasing chicken and pigs without money, looking upon such locomotive property, when brought within his reach, as the gifts of providence. This morning he accidentally, as he says, let an axe slip from his hand, and struck a fat pig on the head. Fresh pork was on the bill of fare for dinner, and the neighbors wondered where the soldiers got so much pork. But the “mess” will pay for the pig, and “Dan” will learn, before we meet the Yankees, that one of the duties of a good soldier is to respect, and protect private property, even though it be in the form of a trespassing pig.

Ordered with a squad of twenty men, to pitch tents for the company.

May 7th, 1861.--Roused from sleep this morning at five o'clock by the tap of the drum. Sleeping in an open tent with one blanket is not comfortable.

Wednesday, May 8th.--Beautiful day. Squad drill at nine o'clock, company parade at four o'clock, and regimental drill at five o'clock is the order of the day. Our respected Captain, Jno. D. Martin was today elected Major of the regiment by a handsome majority. Our regiment is the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Tennessee, and is under the command of Colonel Preston Smith, with 1Marcus J. Wright as Lieutenant Colonel.

May 10th.--A dark and gloomy day. No morning drill on account of the unfavorable weather. Spent the day in walking to Randolph, and cleaning my gun which was considerably damaged by the heavy rain last night.

May 14th, 1861.--This morning, Sergeant George Mellersh was unanimously elected Captain of the “Hickory Rifles.”

May 17th.--To-day at two o'clock the alarm was sounded, and

1 Promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General.

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