Three: 8th Cavalry, Camp Nelson Kentucky – July 16, 1863I regretted telling maw and paw the way I did. Maw's heart was broken in a hundred pieces; I could tell by the way she just kept looking away from me. Paw seemed more upset that maw was upset. He was no stranger to the Army and that's why he didn't want me to have anything to do with it. I promised I'd write them just as my brother does but their disappointment in me was apparent. I had disobeyed my parents and joined the Army without their permission. I now hoped that with time their disappointment would fade and perhaps they would one day find pride in what I had done. The next mornin' I reported to the Sergeant in town just like I said I would. The barrel-chested Sergeant's demeanor had changed drastically from the eager eyed recru
