April 17th. Awakened early by heavy cannonading in the front. All hands turned out and stood under arms, but contrary to expectations, were not ordered to attack. The rebel shells flew thick and fast over our heads, landing amongst the troops in rear, who were busy with their breakfast. About eight o’clock the firing ceased, the sun came out, and the day grew very warm; at ten o’clock the colonel ordered a battalion drill within full view of the rebels, and at four P. M. an inspection, followed by a splendid dress parade under the very noses of the enemy. Before moving up to the works, the only way to obtain water was by digging holes four or five feet deep in the sandy soil. Of course, the water was simply surface drainage, and many of the men were badly affected by it, more than fifty being sent to the hospital. Here we found some good natural springs of pure cold water, which is a great luxury indeed. Camp full of rumors of an impending assault, but nothing definite.
