From Mrs. Lyon’s Diary
Jan. 27, 1863.—We had a pleasure excursion down the river on the Nevada. Went fourteen miles, to the Dutch grocery. Took a long tramp in the woods. Two negroes cut down two hickory trees for us to gather the nuts. We had to return to the boat on account of rain. There has been a terrible battle at Murfreesboro, we hear.
Attended a pleasant dancing party given by Mrs. Lowe on the boat Ewing. We all enjoyed it very much, it was such a new experience. We did not go back to camp until after ten o’clock (after taps they call it), and not one of the officers had the countersign, so when we got to the picket there were a number of officers waiting for the Colonel to give them the countersign. In his hurry to get ready he had not thought to get it, but I had opened the note and was, therefore, the only one in the crowd who knew it, so I had to whisper it to the guard before they would let us pass. I often go to the hospital and take some little good thing to the sick boys. They appreciate it, I can tell you.
