February 17, 1863. Snow ball fight

"Feb. 17. Woke up this morning and found myself in a snow bank, which is getting to be quite general in this place. Snowed all day and is snowing now, some, at least eight inches deep. There is nothing new going on. Building telegraph line from Union Mills to the shoals. All quiet at Fairfax station. Now and then a reb. The boys are having a great time with the snow. Plaguing one another and charging into other companies grounds around to the tents with snow balls...." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment.