Etowah Bridge, Thursday, Aug. 18. Very quiet night, followed by as quiet a day. Mail train reported to be coming in at 10 A. M., anxiously looked for to-day, but it did not come. Rebels seem to be leaving us. We hear nothing of them to-day. All we want is news and mail. I feel as though I was 2,000 miles farther away from home this week than last.
1864 Alarm Passes
4 P. M. Startled by the shrill toot of the engine, followed by a prolonged yell that would do honor to pandemonium, and we knew the 3rd Division is coming home. 48th and 93rd returned without firing a gun, chased the rebels across the Oostanaula River. Reported to be 3,000 strong, going towards East Tennessee.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Aug. 19. We passed a quiet night and a pleasant day. Infantry was up most of the night felling trees and building an abatis on the other side of river. Five hundred cavalry reported in vicinity. Would not let horses out to graze. Went on guard at 9 A. M. Road expected to be repaired so trains pass by night. Several trains passed about sundown. Anxiously looking for mail. A small package at last arrived, but to my disappointment there was none for me.
Etowah Bridge, Saturday, Aug. 20. We were up in time to see an expedition start down the river, consisting of 900 cavalry and three regiments of infantry. They laid under arms all night, and were going to ascertain if there was any force in this vicinity. Infantry returned in six hours. Cavalry went. Lieutenant Clark went out scouting with armed squad. Twenty-six guerrillas and conscripters are all he can hear of. Brigade of troops from Rome arrived yesterday but returned immediately not needed. Went to town after being relieved from guard. Back mail gone to the front.
Etowah Bridge, Sunday, Aug. 21. A very wet and rainy day. Kept all hands in doors as much as possible. Washed off the hill, raising the river very fast. Two small packages of mail received, but none for me. Wrote home. Uncle Lester received a new supply of reading matter, monthlies, etc. Very welcome. Bathed in the evening. Captain White, A. A. G. of the Division, died to-day, the most loved of all Smith's staff, a bright and promising young man.