Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, May 3, 1863

This morning after the boys clean up the camp and arrange things in order, they write to their friends. All have a little romance and history to write—a long march—sleepless nights—the beautiful country—the blooming groves—the gushing springs and the leaping fountains—wading creeks—fighting battles—sweeping valley—carrying a sword in one hand and a torch in the other—staining the roads and the projecting rocks with blood—swimming a river, and a hundred other minor incidents are now being painted in pen pictures for those at home.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 159