Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty, January 25, 1862

We are not studying so much as we were. The General's grasp has relaxed, and he does not hold us with a tight reign and stiff bit any longer.

There is a great deal of sickness among the troops; many cases of colds, rheumatism, and fever, resulting from exposure. Passing through the company quarters of our regiment at midnight, I was alarmed by the constant and heavy coughing of the men. I fear the winter will send many more to the grave than the bullets of the enemy, for a year to come.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 97