Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 33.djvu/245

 The Twelfth Alabama Infantry. 241

May 14. Drilled my company for the first time in some months. Was stopped by a refreshing rain, which will cool the air and bene- fit our wounded. First Sergeant Hall was ordered, on account of his wound, to report to General Winder, and I promoted George Wright to his place.

May 15. Pay roll completed, inspected and approved by the Colonel. Commanded a division of two companies on battallion drill. Promised relief as acting quartermaster by Monday next. Company F was paid off for March and April, and the sutler's wagon will be well patronized for a few days. Ginger cakes, porous and poor, cost 25 cents each. Vegetables and fruits are out of reach of the privates.

May 18. Relieved as acting quarter master and returned to the command of my company. Receipted for and issued to the most needy among my men, thirteen pairs of pants, four jackets, nine pairs of socks, and several pairs of shoes. Captain J. Miles Pick- ens, a brother of the Colonel, is now quartermaster.

May 19 and 20. Drilled company in breaking files to the rear, breaking in platoons, loading by numbers and stacking arms. The men have grown rusty. The election, held to decide who of the company should wear the "Badge of Honor" for gallantry at Chancellorsville, resulted in twelve votes each for Sergeant Wright and Private Chappell. In drawing the latter won, and his name was sent to General Lee.

May 24. Heard Rev. Dr. Moses D. Hoge preach a fine sermon at Camp Alabama. Lieutenant Wright came and reported the loss of a pair of new boots and a number of new novels sent me. I am nearly barefooted and wanted something to read; so my regret may be imagined.

May 29. Grand review of Rodes' Division by Generals R. E. Lee, A. P. Hill and R. E. Rodes. The day was warm and we marched three miles to the reviewing grounds, and stood several hours befor.e getting properly aligned. After preparing for review and passing in review before General Rodes, General Lee arrived and went through the same movements before him. I commanded the fourth division of the regiment.

June 4. Began a tramp through Valley of Virginia to Maryland, and marched about 18 miles, halting near Spotsylvania C. H. June 5, 6, 7 and 8. On the march to Culpeper C. H., where