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The 12th and 26th Alabama, on October 27th, went on picket duty to Kelly's Ford, the former relieving the 14th North Carolina. I walked several miles around Kellysville, once the scene of a severe cavalry engagement, on a tour of observation. The country around about resembled Fauquier county, being one vast field of destruction and devastation. Where once elegant, happy homes stood, bare chimneys rear their tall forms, sentries over this cruel waste, halls that once resounded to the merry laughter of happy children, now re-echo to the mournful whistling of the autumn winds. Everything we see is a memento of the relentless cruelty of our invaders.
Some North Carolina troops relieved us from picket duty and returned to the building of our winter quarters on the 30th. Our Christian Association met and resolved to forbid playing cards for pastime or amusement. New officers for next two months, President, Rev. H. D. Moore; V. P., Capt. J. J. Nicholson, of Company I; Secretary, Wat. P. Zachry, of Company F.
November i. Sunday. Chaplain Moore preached two able sermons. Subject of one at night was ‘Repentance,’ and he explained that conviction, contrition, or sorrow, confession and reformation constitute repentance.
November 2. Major H. A. Whiting, of General Rodes' staff, and Lieutenant Dan Partridge, of General Battle's, inspected our brigade. I drew five splendid English overcoats and three blankets for Company F. How can I fairly issue or divide so few articles, so much needed this cold weather? These uncomplaining men are patriotic indeed. Sutler Sam Brewer arrived with a load of goods which he speedily sold out to clamoring, eager purchasers. He demandsand gets $1.00 a pound for salt, $2.00 per dozen for common sized apples, $5.00 per pound for soda, $1.00 per quart for ground peas or ‘goobers,’ $3.00 a pound for lard, $6.00 a quart for syrup made of Chinese sugar cane, $1.00 for three porous ginger cakes, $1.00 per dozen for small, tough sugar cakes, $1.00 for a pound bale of Confederate coffee, made of rye. Those who use tobacco pay $4.00 a pound for it. This depreication in our currency is trying to men who get $11.00 per month only. One dollar formerly bought more than eleven will now.
Several of my company asssited me in building to the end of my tent a chimney of small, unskinned pine poles, which they covered pretty well with mud. Then they floored my tent, and I am comfortable
