Kearnstown Va. Dec. 22d 
To day has been extremely cold and windy It is terrible to stand picket these times without fire. It is almost death - none but hardened old veterans could stand it. 
Friday 23rd 
Very cold all day - sun shone at intervals the army under Thomas is still pursuing Hood, who has lost 20,000 men since entering Tennessee. 
Saturday 24" 
To day was somewhat pleasant. Men are in good spirits. Another call was made yesterday for 300,000 more men Gold has declined from 234 to 220 the last week. Sherman has Savannah closely inv'd
. Our Christmas 
Our much talked of Dinner for Christmas from Indianapolis did not arrive. Oysters Butter, Crackers, cakes & apples formed our dinner Day clear warm and pleasant, scarcely any one drunk, all quiet in Camp. 
Monday 26" 
Day foggy and rainy, ground nearly thawed out, 100 guns were fired in honor of the victory at Savannah Ga. which capitulated to Sherman Dec. 21st
