Knoxville, Tenn. Once more have my eyes been gladdened and my
heart made to rejoice by the reception of love's sweet messengers—letters from
home. How anxiously have I watched and waited, and what a load has been removed
by those grateful words, "Well as usual."
But eighteen days is
a long time to await tidings of those we love. Arrangements are being made to
have our mail carried over the mountains on pack mules. When these arrangements
are completed I think there will be more regularity.
We are encamped
again near the city, awaiting whatever may turn up. The regiment is in
excellent health and spirits. We have become accustomed to soldiers' fare;
nothing seems to affect us. There is a striking contrast between old troops and
new. When in pursuit of the Rebels beyond Greenville, Wilcox's men tired out
and were withdrawn from the chase, while we pursued ten miles further. They are
six and nine months men from Indiana.
I see by Northern
papers that Rebel sympathizers hope to carry Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania in
the coming election, and this hope nerves the Rebel leaders to make the most
desperate efforts to hold out yet a little longer. They are doomed to
disappointment.
These states will
give an overwhelming majority for the Union.
SOURCE: David
Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer,
1862-1865, p. 107
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