Huddard is upset with the role that the 1st Ohio played in the battle of Murfreesboro (Stones River). He believes that his division commander, General Johnson, has acted the traitor. During the battle, Huddard is captured and taken prisoner. However, when Union cavalry retake the position he is being held at he is able to escape. The regiment loses one hundred and thirty men during the engagement. Huddard is discouraged by news from the homefront. He is appalled that the northern people are getting discouraged and that they are ready peace on any condition. But he is glad that the conscription act has been passed. I think the only way to settle the war is by fighting and the more men we have the better it will be for us and the sooner we will end the war, he writes on the first of March.