Taken from the diary of Pvt R.M. Holmes, 24th Mississippi Infantry:
"Dec. 24th 1862:
This morning at 11 o'clock we were ordored to go out on general inspection which was prevented by a slow gradual rain which was falling, in the evening the clouds blew off and the rain ceased. This being Christmas eve after dark a fire of guns was commenced which was kepp up with more or less noise the whole night. Also the troops kepp up a continual yeal most of the night.
Dec. 25th 1862:
To day being thursday christmas day we havent anything to do and it seems to be a very dull christmas to what it was two or three years ago in time of christmas. there was a little clothing given out to the men to day which is surposed to be the last they get for a good while, it seems that them troops are very well supplied with clothing."
Will MacDonald
"Dec. 24th 1862:
This morning at 11 o'clock we were ordored to go out on general inspection which was prevented by a slow gradual rain which was falling, in the evening the clouds blew off and the rain ceased. This being Christmas eve after dark a fire of guns was commenced which was kepp up with more or less noise the whole night. Also the troops kepp up a continual yeal most of the night.
Dec. 25th 1862:
To day being thursday christmas day we havent anything to do and it seems to be a very dull christmas to what it was two or three years ago in time of christmas. there was a little clothing given out to the men to day which is surposed to be the last they get for a good while, it seems that them troops are very well supplied with clothing."
Will MacDonald