January 20th. Severe cold weather since the last date. Deep snow and plenty. The inhabitants have always claimed the Yankees brought the cold weather. Such severe winters do not come to Virginia but once in many years. Our regular routine of duty is, and must be, kept up in spite of the severe weather. It is two hours on duty and four off. The report of a gun calls up the other two reliefs. The corporal must investigate and find out the cause of the alarm. If more than one gun is fired, the camp guard reports firing on the picket line. The Colonel is notified. He orders the sounding of the long roll, calling out the regiment. Everything is kept ready for a sudden call in the night. We turn out very lively, soon in line.
