The opposing lines were so near each other that our men could easily hear the conversation of the Rebels.

The night was not severely cold; but the men, who were on the front, after a day's fighting, found it quite uncomfortable.

Only in the rear was it thought prudent to build fires.
The soldiers of German birth were musical.

Throughout the night I repeatedly heard their songs.

The soldiers of American parentage were generally profane, and the few words I heard them utter were the reverse of musical.