101                                HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.

don't know where we are going to, yet our destination is supposed to be South, probably Holly Springs, as two days' rations will just do us to that place; the distance being twenty-four miles from Lagrange. As our transportation has been cut down to one wagon for two companies; an order was read on dress-parade last evening, for the officers to see that the contents of every knapsack was reduced to as little as possible.

           I wouldn't be surprised if by to-morrow morning we would find it either raining or snowing, for this evening it is cold and blustering, and has the appearance of being a very disagreeable time on our march, which is about the case. But we will make the best of it, and go forth to meet the rebel clique with brave hearts and willing hands, looking to the God of battles for victory to crown our efforts. If it should be our lot to get into an engagement, you may expect to hear the Second Brigade, Third Division, doing good service; and especially the old Seventy-Eighth.

           Since I last wrote you, nothing of great note has transpired, although there has been several sharp skirmishes resulting in but very little loss to both sides. There was a squad of southern gentry brought in a few days ago, among whom was a rebel Major, that was captured at the great battle of Fort Donelson, but I suppose had since been exchanged. He was recognized by Lieutenant Owen, formerly of the Twentieth Ohio, but now acting Assistant Adjutant-General of our Brigade, who happened to be in town on their arrival. Lieutenant Owen accompanied the old Fort Donelson prisoners to Chicago, and of course, had the chance of making the acquaintance of several. No doubt the gentleman is now whiling away his hours in a Northern city, perhaps Alton, Illinois.

           Our Brigade has undergone a change since my last. The Twenty-Third Indiana has been transferred to the First Brigade, and the Thirtieth Illinois put in its stead. The Thirtieth was with the Seventy-Eighth at the time of the capture of Jackson, and the first march to Lagrange, and is considered a good regiment. The staff of the Second Brigade is composed as follows: Colonel M. D. Leggett, Seventy-Eighth Ohio, commanding Brigade. E. N. Owen, Twentieth Ohio, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant J. C. Douglass, Brigade-Quartermaster; Adjutant Hill, Twentieth Ohio, Brigade Surgeon; J. L. Gleason, Twenty-Third Indiana, Aid. But as the Twenty-Third has been transferred, I suppose he will be removed, and some one else appointed in his place; Lieutenant Roberts, Seventy-Eight Ohio, Aid. Lieutenant R. is known by most of your readers, and makes an efficient officer; and in his absence from us, Company E loses a good Lieutenant, and a good fellow.

           The boys are all busy cooking rations, and getting ready for the march. It would be quite a sight for most of your readers if they could see a regiment, on the eve of a march, flying around, getting all things ready, and seeing that we have plenty to eat, which is the most essential thing on a march. And each one has to look out for No. 1, or he will be left in the lurch. We have all been fitted out with clothing, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, &c., and have seen everybody we want to see except the Paymaster, who is behind hand considerably, and there is no prospect of him making his appearance very soon. All the kind of currency we have is Sutler chips, which are circulated pretty

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