25 December 1861

Wednesday, 25th Pleasant. This morning I have a very sore throat. I had Lieut. Craig cauterize it. I went to tell Gen. Paine farewell. In the eve we had a grand supper at our mess. I went to a party in the eve also.

[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]

Genl Orders No 23, Head Quarters District of Cairo. Cairo, Dec 25th, 1861
In accordance with the requirements of army regulations the troops of this command will be mustered for pay on Tuesday the 31st instant commencing at 10 o'clock A.M. Each regimental or detachment command will act as inspecting officer for his immediate command under the supervision of Brigade or Post Commanders.
By order of Brig Genl U. S. Grant, Comdg

General Orders No 24, Head Quarters District of Cairo. Cairo, December 25th, 1861
In accordance with instructions received from Hd. Quarters of the Army, all blankets below the regulation weight which have been issued to the troops, may on being condemned, be turned in to the Quarter Master's Department and others of the regulation weight issued in their stead. Those returned may be used for Hospital Department or for Horse blankets.
By order of Brig Gebl U. S. Grant, Comdg