"We are still lying along the shore on the boats 'awaiting orders'
rather impatiently too, the eighth day aboard. Yesterday we left
Savannah and came a few miles up to a farm where we found a good
landing. We turned our men out on the shore to enjoy the exercise
and fresh air (it was a most beautiful day), while we had the boat
thoroughly cleaned. The men had been kept cooped up on the boats for so
long they enjoyed the day very much.
"We have a rumor of the taking of New Orleans by our forces from the
Gulf, but can hardly credit it. It will be glorious news, if true, and
a rapid step toward the end of the rebellion....
"I have no news; mostly write to let you know I am in the best of
health and in safety."
At last my letter, dated in camp at Pittsburg Landing, gives account of
our having left the boats:--
"We are now in camp about a mile from the river in a pleasant forest.
How long we are to remain here we do not know, but as to-morrow is
Sunday we may get our marching orders then! We are ordered to keep in
readiness to march at one hour's notice. We are also ordered to take
with us in each company wagon seven days' rations of provisions and
five days' rations of grain for horses, besides three days' rations in
each man's haversack, making ten days' rations. As the roads are now,
we won't be able to travel very fast.
"Our force has been increasing every day by the arrival of new
regiments. How large our army is I do not know, but the woods are
perfectly alive with men. Regiments of tents are in every direction
and extending for miles around. We have no doubt of our successful
progress, whether it is to march upon Memphis or farther down South
into the heart of 'Dixie.' You need have no fear for my personal
safety, or for the success of our army. We are only hoping we shall be
sent by rapid marches against Memphis, and when we get there you can
come down and pay me another visit, if I cannot get off home for a few
days."