SOLDIER 33 



and in the morning I would wake up and find my overcoat 

 as wet as if it had been dipped in water. I have slept bare- 

 headed in the open air every night, and yet strange to say 

 have never caught the least particle of cold. But if ever 

 I start again I'll carry a woolen nightcap; a man needs 

 something of the kind. 



"April 2. Our brigade being in the advance, we were off 

 at 5.30 a.m. in a flood of moonlight that silvered the dew- 

 drops in the meadows far and near. There is something 

 very pretty in the camping-out of an army. The camp- 

 fires far and wide, the hum and bustle, and last, the cry 

 of that ridiculous creature, the mule. We reached Thibo- 

 deaux at noon, passed directly through the town, and en- 

 camped three miles beyond. It was the hardest day's march 

 of all [fourteen miles]. The men staggered and reeled about 

 the road from fatigue and blistered feet. We all took hold 

 and helped carry guns and knapsacks, but such a relief it 

 was when we passed from the hard road into a clover field 

 and lay down ! At 6 p.m. came the order to fall in, and we 

 marched back to the R.R. station [Terre Bonne Station 

 on the New Orleans and Opelousas R.R.] and took cars 

 to Brashier City. It was very cold, and we were perched 

 on top of the cars, while the 13th rode inside. Such a 

 forsaken piece of country as we passed through, marshes 

 and swamps on both sides of us ! Reached Bayou Bceuf at 

 11, and were ordered to encamp. Was detailed to unload 

 the cars, and worked till 2 in the morning unloading and 

 stowing away; consequently, as I was up at 5 a.m., I do 

 not feel very smart. We shall probably rest here for a few 

 days." [They remained here until the 9th.] 



From Brashier City, under date of April 10, he writes 



