January 5th, 1865.
We mustered for pay December 31st, and I have been very busy every day, and often far into the night, making out muster rolls. A muster roll is a sheet of paper two feet by three feet square, the space between the lines about two-thirds as wide as the ruling on legal cap paper. On the left is a column in which the names of the men are written in alphabetical order. Then follows a complete description—where, when and by whom enlisted; where, when and by whom mustered; when and by whom last paid; where he now is; why and how long he has been absent; if anything is due the Government, for transportation, fines, damages, etc., or if due the soldier for clothing not drawn, etc. It must all be stated.
Company G musters seventy-two men, present and absent. In order to get all this on six square feet of paper, I am forced to write as fine as possible, and frequently to interline.
Then, four of these papers are filled at each muster, corresponding in every particular, the least error in one spoiling the whole. We muster the last day of each alternate month, and the rolls must be completed within three days thereafter.
My rolls were in on time, and I have been at Headquarters all day, helping to compare and correct the regimental rolls, preparatory to sending them to Washington.
I have forced myself to write thus calmly of every day occurrences, when, in fact, my very blood is on fire, and every emotion of my soul is in a tumult of glad expectancy.
I am going home. My furlough has been approved and is now at Division Headquarters. It will reach me in a day or two. Then will I fly, on wings of steam, to my beloved one’s fond embrace.
