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the Texas shore would be more beneficial than anything else. When he talked with me, even when most anxious to have all re-enlist, his suggestion was that if I commenced shaking with the ague again on our return to the Southern swamps, I should then go home. Even this he did not insist upon when I informed him that it was not my purpose to agree to do a thing and then not do it. If I reenlisted, well or sick, I should, as I had done, remain at the front. At the end, as he saw, that enough had rejoined to preserve the regimental organization, he was undoubtedly glad that those who could not consistently do so, had not re-enlisted. Potter’s natural way was blunt and harsh and those not well acquainted with him would think him severe, when in reality, none but the kindest feelings existed in his heart. As it appeared to him we were to remain with our friends of the Ninety-ninth and have a jolly, happy winter, upon the warm and healthy shores of Southern Texas. To Major Elliott it looked like banishment. Potter’s cool reason led him to the correct view. Elliott’s warm and sympathetic heart led him into error. The regiment started for New Orleans, on the way north, on January twenty-seventh. When the regiment returns we will probably rejoin and serve with it until our three years expire. We wished them a happy journey and a pleasant time. CHAPTER XXIX. WITH THE NINETY-NINTH ILLINOIS. Thursday afternoon, January twenty-eighth, we moved into our new quarters with Company B of the Ninety-ninth Illinois.1 They treat us royally. The old Company A boys, four of us,2 J. D. King, C. A. Bailey, S. Smith and myself were given a nice room by ourselves. The non-veterans of Companies B and I of the Thirty-third were also assigned to the same company. The next day we made writing-tables and other things, and fixed up our new quarters in nice shape. With reading, studying and playing and light military duties, our time passed pleasantly. Rations were now plenty. On February third our little squad of four made capital arrangements about our food. The captain of Company B - With the Ninety-ninth. 237 kindly directed our rations to be issued to us. A citizen by the name of Smith living near had a neat housekeeper for his wife, and a good cook by the name of Theresa for his hired girl. We made arrangements to board with them. By giving them our rations and the sum of fifty cents each per week they felt well repaid. It certainly suited us nicely. Our food was now much better cooked, and of more variety than ever had been our fortune to have since we joined the army. Our jolly first winter camp at Arcadia was now duplicated with the one exception, that it was farther away and more difficult to hear from home; and on the other hand, two important advantages: our food was prepared in a more wholesome shape and the health of all was much better than when at Arcadia during the first winter of our soldier life.3 Friday morning, February fifth, a force consisting of six regiments of infantry, some cavalry and artillery, all under command of General Warren,4 started out to make a reconnaissance and to get some lumber. We marched fifteen miles, keeping west of Lavaca. We found a good supply of lumber, loaded the wagons and camped upon the prairie for the night. The next morning we started back at eight o’clock and arrived at our quarters at half past three P. M. When coming back some of the boys thought that they must have the fun of seeing the prairie grass burn and started some lively prairie fires. This made the General hopping mad. Sunday, February seventh, there was a grand review of the troops at Indianola. Generals Ord5 and Dana came up from Pass Cavallo and joined our officers in making the review. The Eleventh Wisconsin,6 Colonel Harris, started home on February fourteenth, they having re-enlisted for three years more or for the war. We have been with and near them so much during the past three years that we have become well acquainted with them. They are a fine body of men and splendid soldiers. Colonel Harris would not part with any...

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