Wednesday, 24th. After breakfast and taking care of our horses, we went to meet the command. A mile and a half out I waited for the rest to come. Got grapes to eat. Read the morning papers. Stirring news of a week for us. We three boys visited the earthworks. Saw artillery in Pea Ridge battle, one “Betsy” (howitzer) opened the battle second day. Good visit with some of the boys. Four regiments came in, Iowa, Wis., Ind., and 1ll. About 25,000 troops in and about Springfield. Arriving all the time and working at entrenchments all the time. Salomon at Mt. Vernon. Hindman reported 40,000 strong at Cross Hollows.
