all the time looking for orders to start for Baton Rouge and home.
July 31. Orders have been received at headquarters for our removal to Baton Rouge, as soon as transportation can be furnished. At 11.30 o'clock this forenoon orders were received to prepare to move immediately. Several steamers have come and gone but none for us as yet, which is very tantalizing.
August 1. Steamer "Kepper" arrived and the 48th immediately went on board as also the 49th. Quarters were very much crowded and the men have suffered intensely on the hot deck during the passage up the river to Baton Rouge where we arrived just before dark. Disembarked with military precision.
August 2. Glad to get to our old quarters which seems something like home. During the night some of the men were jubilantly celebrating their return and become over-boisterous. The chaplain's tent caught fire from some mysterious cause and burned down. Col. Stone, although having left the regiment when in front of Port Hudson, and remained in Baton Rouge since that time on the sick list, took command of the regiment at once.
August 3. Col. Stone decided that he is able to take command of the regiment. How little we anticipated when we left Baton Rouge in May what changes would take place before we should return in August—Lieut.-Col. O'Brien and so many other brave and good men gone.
August 4. The Colonel has reported for duty. Orders have been received for an inspection of the regiment which at this time looks much like going home.
August 5. Our old parade ground which we used
