have to do things I scarcely know whether it's right or wrong, but I put on a bold
face, and go it blind, and sometimes I am at a loss to know how to go through the
manual of arms. One reason is, I have always drilled Hardee and Elsworth's Manual of
Arms, and now we have to drill Casey's, and there is considerable difference, and
then to have to drill a company six hours a day. It is hard to do and not do the
same thing over and over, but I put on a bold face, and never let on, but what I
know all about it, and you know I was [not] use to drilling a company, but use to
being drilled. I can drill with any man living and have a man to drill me, but a
great many can beat me in commanding. My Second Lieut is a good drill teacher and
the First [Lieut] middling good, and I make them do about half, and I know I have as good a
drilled company as is in the Reg. So I think I am doing very well. My company has
to go on picket guard every ten days, and, of course, I go with them, although I have
not been with them yet, as my Co has only been on once, and I was officer of the day,
and did not have to go.
