Tuesday, April 21st. The men were this day—as well as several days previous—engaged in clearing up camp—hauling gravel and evergreens. The ground had been leveled off, and covered with gravel, and arbors and summer-houses built of evergreens, stables made for the horses, and our camp otherwise beautified. It now presented a cheerful appearance. From indications it appeared that we were to remain here for some time to come. We were favored with fine weather—but little rain having fallen during the last month. Everything in nature looked beautiful.
Saturday, April 25th. A teamster belonging to the brigade, while intoxicated, fell off his mule just in front of our camp. The wagon passed over him, injuring him so severely that he died the same night. Could not learn his name, nor to what regiment he belonged.
Sunday, April 26th. Fourteen weeks this day since our arrival here. Lieutenant Baldwin started for home, on a short furlough. Lieutenant Sypher was sent to Cleveland, on recruiting service, on the 22d inst. The teamster who was killed the day previous was buried this day.
Tuesday, April 28th. Had orders to hold ourselves ready to move at any moment. Considerable Rebel cavalry were daily seen hovering around our lines. Nothing very serious apprehended.
Thursday, April 30th. Regular two month’s muster for pay. Our tents were also turned over to the Quarter-Master. We were to have what are termed “shelter” tents, in place of our old ones. The men call them “dog” tents, and they are rightly named. Although this was the day set apart, by President Lincoln, as a day of fasting and prayer, everything went on as usual in camp. The men said that they had done enough fasting.
Friday, May 1st. All the sick were this day sent to the hospital.
Sunday, May 3rd. Fifteen weeks this day at Cripple Creek. We were joined by two companies of the First Tennessee Cavalry. They went into camp on the flats across the creek. Regular brigade review.
Monday, May 4th. The One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry passed our camp, going towards Murfreesboro. The regiment had been for some time in the Second brigade of General Palmer’s division, but had been reduced by sickness and desertion, so that it did not then contain over one hundred and fifty effective men. The weather continued quite warm.
Tuesday, May 5th. The Twenty-Third Kentucky Infantry passed our camp, on their way to take the place of the One Hundred and Tenth Illinois. Weather cloudy, with some rain.
Friday, May 8th. Lieutenant Baldwin returned from home, bringing numerous packages for the men, sent by their friends.