December 8, 1862. The 16th returns from Picket.

"We are still picketing, having come into camp this morning after having been absent 24 hours, just half our usual time. we had a very good time while out. We were allowed fires on our beats and though it was quite cold we were very comfortable. The 12th that was out last before us had a cold, rough time of it, as there was another snowstorm while they were out, and some 2 or 3 inches of snow still lies on the ground. The 13th, 14th, and 15th have all got back again so we will have to go on picket only once in 5 days for 24 hours at a time.

"The ground is now frozen some 4 or 5 inches deep and thaws just enough in the middle of the day to make mud enough to daub. Brig. Gen. Stoughton has arrived and assumed command of this brigade. Whether we shall like him or not any better than at Brattleboro I cannot say. 

"I am writing with ink of our own manufacture made from a berry that grows wild here in Virginia. In answer to the various little inquiries concerning my comfort, I would say that my boots are perfectly comfortable, and that we sleep as warm as need be. We have two beds in our house, one above the other. The lower one, calculated for three, and the upper for two. we spread our overcoats and fly tents under us and all the woolen blankets over us, making quite an amount of bed clothes. I must close. Yours H.G. Day." Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of December 8, 1862. 

"Monday 8th.  As the other regs have returned, details for the fort commenced to-day. Working on the barracks some.  Battallion drill this P.M. & it is very cold. No dress Parade." ~  Diary of Horace Barlow, 48,  Co. C, 12th Regiment