August 8, 1864.
Never was army better cared for than this. No part of it has
been on short rations during the campaign. Extra issues of dessicated potatoes,
mixed vegetables, etc., have bundled the advance guard of General Scurvy neck and
heels outside the pickets. Extraordinary dreams of green corn, blackberries,
new potatoes, etc., have done very much towards keeping up the health and
morale of the army, and as much towards reconciling us to this summer sun, that
ripens said goodies.
We draw supplies of clothing monthly as regularly as when in
garrison, and a ragged soldier is a scarcity. At least 30 days' rations are
safely stored in our rear, making us entirely unmindful of railroad raids, for,
if necessary, we could build the whole road in that time. The heat has not
troubled us much, save during a few days' marching.
We have had hardly three days without a rain for a month. We
have done a great amount of work since our last battle, have constructed nine
lines of works, and it will take at least two more before we get the position
that I think Howard wants. We keep those poor Johnnies in a stew all the time.
Our artillery is any amount better than theirs, and it plays on them from
morning until night. Nothing worries troops so much, though compared with
musketry it is almost harmless. I guess their ammunition is short, for they
don't fire one shot to our 40. I think we'll like Howard first rate. If he is
as good as McPherson, he'll do.
Four divisions are on their way to reenforce us. I don't
think we need them, but the more, the merrier.
