169
                    At Baton Rouge.
We came foraging for paper and obtained
two partially blank books, relicts of the State
House fire; also two tolerably good milk punch
es, hospitably pressed upon us by the loquacious
and inquisitive old woman.     Paid a visit to
the 1st Metropolitan and left a note for Brad-
ley, who had intended visiting us yesternight
and been prevented by business � sending with
his excuses, the present of an india-rubber
blanket for me.    In the evening came Merrill
and a comrade, with the Mare�s Nest story
related on page 157.   They departing, Bradley
arrived with a lieutenant from Billy Wilson�s
regiment, also a quartermaster.   Whiskey, sto-
ries, recitations and talk till midnight, when
our guests departed.    Hills turned in with
Howell, to avoid the coldness of his room up-
stairs.
  17.  Saturday.   In doors reading till 5,
all of us being similarly employed till 5.  Visi-
ted by Mann our involuntary landlord and
by a Major Whittemore of the 40th Mass, invol-
ving a three hours debate on Secession and Sla-
very.   Out with Howell to the camp of the 13th
Conn. to investigate the story told by Merrill.
Back to reading and scribbling.
  18.  Sunday.   With Howell to the Provost 
Marshal�s, in the hope of obtaining letters.  Got