Dec 15" (1861) 
ingenuity manifested in the construction of their winter quarters. Great excitement at present in America, in regard to Great Briton demanding Mason and Slidell from the U.S. War is expected with her.
 Dec 25. 
All day in camp, in my tent writing - nearly all soldiers at this Post are in town drinking and "Carousing" great confusion - drunk men every where. A lot of the boys of the 8th Mo. went round to different camps and gave masquerade Dress parades, in imitation of rebels.
 December 30th
 At 3 P.M. half the force here, in command of Gen'l Wallace, started toward Mayfield, went as far as the crossing of the O. & M. R.R. crossing, where we bivouaced for the night. Stole all the poultry in the neighborhood, wherever a rooster would crow some of the boys would go and hunt him.
 December 31st 
Returned to camp this p.m. the expedition was intended to entrap Clay King and gang, but failed.
