My own headquarters were in tents in a fine grove of old oaks near Parson Fox's house, and the battalion of the Thirteenth Regulars was the headquarters guard.
All the camps were arranged for health, comfort, rest, and drill.
It being midsummer, we did not expect any change till the autumn months, and accordingly made ourselves as comfortable as possible.
There was a short railroad in operation from Vicksburg to the bridge across the Big Black, whence supplies in abundance were hauled to our respective camps.

With a knowledge of this fact Mrs.
Sherman came down from Ohio with Minnie, Lizzie, Willie, and Tom, to pay us a visit in our camp at Parson Fog's.

Willie was then nine years old, was well advanced for his years, and took the most intense interest in the affairs of the army.

He was a great favorite with the soldiers, and used to ride with me on horseback in the numerous drills and reviews of the time.

He then had the promise of as long a life as any of my children, and displayed more interest in the war than any of them.