Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, July 25. 1863.—I fear I can not get a leave of absence at all, as the orders are very strict now, and none are granted except to save life or prevent permanent disability. It is a sore disappointment, but this I suppose is one—and not the least, either—of the sacrifices that I am called upon to make in this war.
I see no signs of our being moved from here, yet there may be some change of program towards fall. Of course, we do not know anything about our future movements.
