THE DIARY OF I.W. LEONARD

PAGE THREE

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Monday 10. Gen. Mitchell's division arrived here today. Quite an excitement existed in our regiment when the 21st passed through. There was a great shaking of hands and a great many "how d'ye dos" from the boys in each regiment.

Tuesday 11. Snowy in the morning and raining and sleeting in the after noon. Was visited by some of my old friends in the 21st who took dinner with us. Wrote a letter of six pages to the Fostoria News. Fact is I believe I have too much writing to do and I must curtail the number of my correspondents.

Wednesday 12. Very pleasant day. Expect to march soon. There is no doubt that the time for active operation is drawing near. The plot has long been thickening and now we will see the denouement. Wrote a letter to R.

Thursday 13. Great excitement in camp. Received orders to march back to the Ohio River, and then take boat to Cairo. Started at 7 A.M. and marched 15 miles to Upton Station, where we bivouaced for the night. Pretty hard march.

Friday 14. Marched to Upton Station, a distance of 15 miles, today instead of yesterday as written above. Bivouaced in the woods. I never before fully realized the comforts of a good supper and warm fire. Cold and dreary. How I would enjoy the warmth of our comfortable sitting room!

Saturday 15. Oh, the uncertainties of a soldiers life! At 12M, the orders came to start back direct for Bowling Green which was taken yesterday by Gen. Mitchell without firing a gun. The Stars and Stripes wave over that boasted stronghold.

Sunday 16. At 4 A.M. we started from our camp two miles south of Bacon Creek and marched 12 miles before 10 A.M. Pitched our tents and remained at this place until the next day. "Forward to Bowling Green" is the watchword.

Monday 17. Up in the morning at 3 o'clock, and started through the rain was pouring down in torrents. Off we went with light hearts and heavy knapsacks. We got along finely until we came to the end of the pike and "then the fun commenced." After a hard march of 18 miles we encamped.

Tuesday 18. Contrary to our expectations we did not march today and probably will not until the railroad is repaired. The rebels have torn up the track for a distance of four miles and blown down a mess of rocks upon the track at the tunnel.

Wednesday 19. Rained awful nearly all day. On Guard duty and a terrible time it is. The boys had full swing yesterday, and committed depredations in the country and now they have to pay for it.

Thursday 20. Ordered out on fatigue duty on the railroad. The 49th went to work and removed all the ballasting for the distance of 40 rods in less than half an hour. Received an excellent letter from Uncle Joe and replied.

Friday 21. Very fine day. Had nothing to do but lay around and do nothing. Work on the railroad goes on briskly. Received a letter from Len, of precious memory. Hope we will march soon, as I am tired of this place.

Saturday 22. Awful rain all day. Camp converted into a great mudhole. I do hope we will leave this place soon for you cannot leave the tent without sinking in the mess up to the ankles.

Sunday 23. Good! Received orders late yesterday evening to be ready to march this morning at nine A.M. The appointed time found us on our way with light hearts. Passed through a beautiful country and at sundown encamped in a pleasant grove two miles from Bowling Green. Distance marched 21 miles.

Monday 24. On account of the flood in Barren River we will be compelled to remain here several days. The troops have to be conveyed across the river in a steamboat and as we have only one boat it is a slow business. Sent a letter to Fostoria News.

Tuesday 25. More troops came in; among them the 19th Regt. O.V. Was surprised by a visit from Uncle Henry who is serving in that regiment. Went back with him to his regiment and had a peep at the rebel fortifications.

Wednesday 26. Nothing to do all day but attend to writing letters, washing, et. At seven o'clock P.M. orders came to be ready to march in twenty minutes with two days rations. With nothing to carry but arms and rations the troops left for Nashville. I am detailed to stay with the baggage.

Thursday 27.  Packed up everything in the morning, and then we had a good time.  As the officers are all gone every fellow is his own master, and you may be sure we enjoy the freedom.

Friday 28.  Started with the train after the regiment.  At the river we had a grand time taking the teams and wagons across.  The mud is more than a foot deep on the river bottom and we had to unload part of the baggage.

FINIS

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