[Penciled in top of Scan 1 Rt
				         7]

	Edwin R Havens
	Co “A” 7th Michigan Cavalry
	Soldiers Home, Washington
				D.C.

	Soldiers Home
          Washington C.D. Friday
	               February 27th /63

     Well, at length we find
ourselves in “Dixie” and with 
in sight of the Capitol. the 
dome of which. looms up but a
short distance from here.
     We arrived here this morning
soon after daybreak. having
been nearly four days on the
road. from ‘Lee Barracks” to
this place.
	We left “Lee Barracks”
about noon on Monday last..
and after marching down
Lyon Street two squares. we turned
across to Fulton Street marched
down that to Monroe. down
that to Canal. and followed
the river bank to the Depot..


1
After waiting some time
and changing cars two or
three times we finally started.
at three O'clock and took
our last final view of the
old camp some five or ten
minutes later. the day was
clear. shining and warm.
and the streets quite dusty.
   We reached Toledo
Ohio at 6½ A.M. Tuesday
and found a choice lot of
hot coffee awaiting us
which was thankfully
received and heartily relished
with our Hard Crackers..
   We were delayed on
account of no train
being in readiness but
left there about 11½ A M..
and reached Cleveland
Ohio at 7 P. M of the

				2
same day: Tuesday was as
pleasant a day as either Sun.
or Monday. and the country
being one of the finest I ever
saw. we enjoyed the ride finely.
     The country through which
the Cleveland & Toledo R R.
runs is much better than is
usual for them to run, level
and well timbered.. The sleighing
too was good and in fact we have
not been out of sight of snow since
Tuesday morning. all along the
route from Toledo here the snow
has been seen. sometimes in
separate drifts and from that to
six and eight inches deep on the
level..     We did not change
cars at Cleveland. but left there
about 8_15 P.M. and Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania at 9. “A.” M. Wednesday

3
As the journey from Cleveland
to Pittsburgh was made by night
we could see but very little of the
country. We caught a glimpse of
the lake as we came out of
the city: About 4 Oclock
A.M. Wednesday morning
we struck the Ohio river.
and followed its banks to 
Pittsburgh: On the left
of the wall were high bluffs..
and in many the places the
scenery was picturesque in
the extreme..
     At Pittsburgh we were
taken to a large hall near
Market Street where the citizens
had provided us a bountiful
repast of everything necessary
to appease our appetites which
were by no means blunted
by our journey..

				4
After breakfast we were
marched to the City Hall
where we remained until 
about 1. O.clock P.M. when
we were marched to the 
depot again: Pittsburgh
seems to be. and is a very
thriving, enterprising city..
but a heavy fog. together with
the heavy cloud of coal
                     it
smoke made ^ look
very dark and dismal.. 
     We left there at 2 P.M..
and were soon enjoying the
grand scenery on the Penn
Central R.R.. Soon after
leaving P_ _ we passed
a cannon foundry. and
saw several guns lying 
just from the molds. and
waiting to be removed to
P. to be finished

5
A little further on and
we passed two or three coal
mines. as we could see by the
railroad and small opening
at the mouth of the mine..
 About 4 Oclock. we struck
the Alleghany Mountains and
enjoyed ourselves by looking
at the varied and pictur
esque scenery which presented
itself at every moment..
It is beyond the memory
power of my pen to describe
what we passed through
and the only marks which
may remain. must remain
in my memory..
  At St Johns we could
see the fres and lights
of large rolling mills
and iron works.

				6
  At Altoona we had
hot coffee again.. at day 
break Thursday morning we
found ourselves within
28. miles of Harrisburgh. where
we waited until nearly 
noon.  We did not go
through Harrisburgh
as we at first expected
at first to do but left
it on our left. and went
directly to Baltimore.
arriving there about 11½ O'clock
last evening. After marching
about two miles from one
depot to another we found
a good supper ready for
us of which we partook
with many heartfelt 
thanks to those who
had provided it.

7
After partaking of the
Supper we marched to the
depot. and found a train
of fourth rate cars. actually
freight cars provided with
movable seats waiting for
us.. The boys were somewhat
loth to enter these as we
had had good passenger 
cars before this. Some of
the boys commenced to 
demolish the cars and
would have done so had
not the officers succeeded
in arresting these demon
strations of their dis
pleasure: As it was. many
of them were considerably
damaged when they
reached here:

				8
On reaching here we
were marched to these
barracks to await orders
disposing us into some camp..
   We breakfasted on the
rations which remained
in our haversacks. but
dinner was provided for
us in the soldiers board
ing house: We shall remain
there tonight and perhaps 
for some days to come..
     A little while after din
ner Capt Darling passed
Sergt Thomas of Co. D. and
myself out and after
taking a dish of oysters
we after some discussion
went up to the capitol
which we found to richly
repay us..


9
No representation that
I ever saw of it had given
me any idea of its grandeur..
Nor am I competent to
give a correct description
of it and like many things
I have viewed in the past
week I must retain it in
my mind and I trust its
memory will long remain.
     I already feel repaid
by what I have seen, for
what home pleasures I have
left behind.. As we returned
we met several squads in
charge of sergeants going
towards the city..


				10
		Soldiers Home
		Sunday March 1st /63
   We still remain here. yet
expecting to move every day..
   The weather is quite
good and the streets are very
muddy. Friday afternoon
after returning from my 
walk around the capitol
were were orderd to take
20 men from each company
and remove our horses from
the “pen” to the camp of the
5th Mich Cavalry.. Upon
looking about I found that
none of our Sergts were present
except myself. and although
not feeling very well I was obliged
to take charge of the thing
and go ahead..

11
     I detailed the men
and started out. We found
the horses in mud from one
to ten inches deep. We finally 
got them started and took
them over there about a mile
and a half. over hills and
through hollows. but every
where mud. mud. mud:
After getting them stabled
it was found necessary to
leave men to guard them..
None of us had eaten any
supper and scarcely one
had his overcoat yet there
was no help for it and they
had to go without them..
     Yesterday we mustered
for pay. and expect to get
what is due us for the months
of January and February
soon..

				12
     In the afternoon we
were again obliged to move
our horses from that camp
to a hog. pen on the west
side of the R.R.. nearly 
two months miles from
where they were . The road by
which we moved them was
like all others all mud..
  Last night we had an awful
time in the barracks.. The boys
cut up awfully and Capt
Willets who was officer of the day
could not keep them still..
Today Newt and I went 
out to get some oysters
and went to the capitol
but could not get inside
and so passed through the
lower part of the capitol
and in the parks around
which was nice

13
		Soldiers Home
		  Monday. March 2
  Day warm and pleasant..
This morning the Col ordered
a detail of 20 men from each
company to take their bag
gage and one days rations
and go out to the ground
intended for our camp and
prepare it for the remainder
of us.. When we shall go I can.
not say:
	This morning Newt
and I got a pass until 5
Oclock today: We first visit
ed the Capitol. viewing the
many fine sights which are
to be found therein.
From there we went down the
Pennsylvania Avenue. to the
White House.

				14
After walking around
it awhile we went up the
street to a good restaurant
and ate a good dish of Oysters
Soon after this Newt became
tired and left me to return
to camp.. I ran about the
streets for a time. and finally
visited the Patent Office.
where I found a great deal
to interest me. I spent
nearly two hours there
and I only explored the first
room.. The first thing to be 
seen on entering the door
was a model of the monu
ment intended to be raised
in memory of Washington
To the right of this was
a Town clock. of enormous
dimensions. and intended
to strike the hours itself

15
Near these were the camp
equippage of Washington.
his. war sword. his camp
chest. cooking utensils tent
poles tent cloth. chairs his
entire cabinet a panel
from his couch. the vest
and pants. apparently of
buckskins which he wore
at the time he resigned
his commission as com
mander in chief of the
army: Near these were
the robes of silk. the swords.
the two saddles. and
stirrups. bridles and
horse trappings presented
to James Buchanan. by
the Tycoon of Japan during
the recent visit of the Japanese
to this country..


			16
    Many other interesting
models and patents were
there. and one might spend
weeks. yes months in viewing
the many things and at
every turn find something
new.. Many of the boys 
are unwell and many
more will doubtless bee
unless we are removed
from here soon..
     Anthony. Collins. Bon
nell. Allen and Bradley
are the worst.. The mumps
are going among the boys
quite extensively at present..
and in many cases
are very severe..
  We receive no news about
the war. here. more than
at Grand Rapids..

17
	Meridian Hill
	  Saturday March 7. /63
     This morning while it is
raining and we are setting
by our little stove I will
try and bring up my books 
as well as I can. since the
time I last wrote any..
     On Tuesday morning
last I was detailed to
take charge of a squad of
my men to move some hor
ses to this place: while the
rest of them stayed to
remove the baggage:
     We found our horses
here and tents set.. and
soon settled ourselves in our
tents: As soon as possible
we procured places for
Anthony, Collins. Fish


			18
and Smith in the Columbia
Hospital near here..
     We had been here but an
hour or two when it commenced
snowing and raining which it
kept up nearly all day, it rained
also during the night..
     Wednesday we did not
do much all day except
to ditch around our tents
and back of them:
     Thursday was quite a
pleasant day: but as
usual it rained at night..
Yesterday was a loomy dark
day. and with fair show for
a storm.. We did nothing but
attend to the wants of our
horses.. I went to the hos
pital in the morning to 
try and get Bradley admitted

19
          did
but could not succeed..
I saw Anthony who is
improving some since he
went there.. I did not have
time to visit the other boys
but as I saw them the day
before I presume they are
doing well. As I entered
the yard a hearse and escort
were just leaving to bury a
corpse of a man who
died there on Wednesday
night from Co I. of our
regiment.. Two died last 
night from Cos ‘I.' & ‘G'
of our regiment..
Last night Cook, Crocker,
and OBrien worked until
nearly 3 O'clock on some
pay rolls. and left one
which as they passed my

			20
tent they awoke me and
desired to finish it.. I got up
about 4½ O'clock and waking
Tip Knight got him to go
with me and read the names
while I wrote. We worked
about 2½ hours on it before
finishing it..
     We went to the house
which stands to the west
of our camp. and which
they tell us was built
by Commodore Porter. for
his own private residence..
It is now used as a board
ing house for many of the 
officers of our regiment..

21
	Meridian Hill
	   Tuesday March 11 /63
     As I am all alone in my
tent this morning and have
leisure time I will write for
a time. The company has
gone to the government shop
to get our horses shod and General
and Dixie has gone with them.
Elder is out drilling his bugle,
and everything is quiet in
camp
     Capt Walker arrived
here on Saturday evening
last. and is now doing
duty with the company..
Sergt Holton was taken
sick on Saturday and since
that time I have been act
ing in his capacity..

			22
Sunday was rather unpleas
ant a great deal of the time
and we did nothing but take
care of our horses.. It rained
Sunday night as usual.. Monday
was a very pleasant day. more
like May than March..
Sunday night Capt. Walker
ordered me to detail 20 men
to report to him at 8½ yesterday
morning for duty.. These men
were set to preparing a place
for our horses to stand
and by night had a pretty
nice place fitted up for them..
     To day the weather is
cold and flakes of snow
occasionally come flying
around presaging a snow
storm.

23
Nothing occurs here to stir
up our dormant feelings
We have but little duty
to perform. and hear no
news to keep us awake.
I received a letter from Lieut
McGowan on Saturday
but nothing from home.
   Yet we can not get home
sick although not an
hour passes. nor do we sit
down to a meal without
thinking or speaking of home
and friends.
Newt told me that the Adjt
had said that a part of the
regt would leave here soon..
   We must expect now to
be moved at any time..
and I think all are ready
to do so:

			24
	      Camp Kellogg
	Meridian Hill..
	     Washington D.C.
	          Sunday March 15/63

There. now that I have
got my page headed
I can commence writing..
The weather this past week
has been variable for
the greater part stormy
days and very cold nights
Yesterday was an exception
being warm and pleasant.
and last night was
warmer than the pre
ceding ones of the week..
Today it has been very
cold and about one
O'clock it commenced
a storm of sleet and
snow.. which still con
tinues


	[Begin Scan 27]

25
     During the fore
part of the week the
rebels under Genl Stuart
made a raid upon Fair
fax and it is stated took
one of our Brig. Genls prisoner
Word was immediately sent
in and all the cavalry
in Washington ordered
to be in readiness at all
times to march at two
hours notice.. The 6th
                     Wednesday
regt left Thursday mor
ning at day break
and the 6th Pennsylvania
on Thursday.. The 6th 
Mich returned yesterday
reporting that Stuart
had crawled into his hole
and Pulled his hole in
after him..

			26
Thursday morning
we commenced drilling
mounted with curb bits
and saddles. The company
drilled during the forenoon
and in the afternoon the
commissioned officers
and sergts drilled on
horseback with arms
on under Major New
combe.. After we were
dismissed from drill
Sergt OBrien and my
self in a moment of
thoughtlessness gave our
horses the rein and let
them run a short dis
tance, which Col Litch
field seeing. sent Major
Newcombe to arrest us
which he did in a gentle 
manly manner.

41
	Camp Kellogg
	Monday Eve March 23d/63
     Since Tuesday the
weather has been as usual
very variable.. Friday was
cold but not stormy.. We 
drilled all day as usual.
with nothing to ripple 
the waves of our smooth sea
over which our days are
now gliding.. I received
three letters from home
bringing the sad news 
of Mrs Hunter's death
which took place on Sun
day the 15th inst..
     During the night a
storm of snow came on
and Saturday night mor
ning the snow was .3 or 
4 inches deep..

			42
Consequently we had no
drill. but we employed the
time in cleaning up our 
saddles arms and clothing
and preparing for inspection
on Sunday.. Saturday
I received a letter from
Nell bringing the same
news of those of the day before..
      Sunday morning we
were obliged to fall out for
inspection with all horse
equippage. saddles. bridles (curb
and watering) surcingles.
spurs. sabres and revolvers.
and on horseback..
   The sabres and revolvers
were inspected. and then
Capt Walker marched
us out past the camp
of the sixth.. a short dis
tance.. and back

43
After watering the horses
we were ordered to prepare
for “Dress Parade” and just
as we got ready for it the
order came that no Parade
would be held.. Were nt we
glad.. I received a letter
from J.N.. Stephens
dated at Franklin. Tenn
March 12th giving a des
cription of the battle
at Harrison's Station 8
miles from Franklin:
   Yesterday was a very
   warm day and every
one felt as lazy as could
be.. Today it has been
quite warm and pleasant
but tonight there has
is strong indications of
a storm. before long.

			44
This morning after falling
in for drill orders came
for Lieut Briggs with a
sergt to report at the parade
ground.. Accordingly
he requested me to accom
pany him which I did
and found that it was
for the purpose of sabre
drill.. It was sometime
f before I could coax my
horse to submit to the
evolutions of the sabre
but I finally succeeded
in accomplishing it.. 
   This afternoon Lieut
Briggs drilled the com
pany in the sabre
exercise on foot while
Capt drilled in the
Officers drill..

45
While on drill this
forenoon Col Mann
said that if the present
fine weather continued
a few days we should 
go to Virginia: And
Tom Smith who is work
ing in the blacksmith
shop says that they are 
busy making shoes, two
for each horse and
tomorrow Tom says
each man must bring
his horse and have those
shoes fitted for him. one
fore and one hind to be 
carried by the man in 
the saddle bags..
This looks a little as
though we might go
soon and I hope we
may.. for if we are

			46
going to be soldiers
let us be doing their
duty. as soon as we
are fit to do it..
    Nothing could suit me
better than a scout
over into Virginia. and
back as I think we
shall still make this our
headquarters during the
summer..
    After coming in from 
drill this afternoon Sergt
Holton detailed me
for guard and I must
soon go to releive the
other sergt and remain
until 2 Oclock in 
the morning..
   We have six prisoners
in charge. but I do
not know all their 

47
names. Wm Hender
son of our Co and
J Bell are all I know..
Lieut Nevins of Co
D is Officer of Guard
I wish him better
luck than Lieut
Nichols met with who is
still under arrest.
It begins to look as 
though something
might come of his
arrest..
	Camp Kellogg
	  Tuesday March 24
     Releived from guard
at 5 P M. today and
have just finished my
supper.. The weather
has been cloudy and
presaging a rain storm

			48
all day and now it has
just commenced a slight
drizzling rain. which will
be anything but agree
able to those on guard
duty.. Releived Segt
Kelehier at “taps” last
night and continued in
charge until 3 this
morning when I sent to
him to releive me which
I did. During the fore
part of the night some
scoundrel stole Lieut
Carpenter's of Co “F horse
from which nothing had
been heard this afternoon
Something also fright
ened all the horses
in the lines about
12 O clock which, the 

49
guards said caused them 
all to jump simultaneous
ly and at the same mo
ment..    Rockets were 
seen to be thrown from
points in different di
rections from here..
   After being releived
I came to my tent and
undressing myself
crawled under the blan
kets for a nap.. I had
got fairly settled and
begun to enjoy my
nap when Luke, who
was acting orderly to 
the Col came to the
tent door and called
Newt to blow the revellie
as orders had come from
Genl Copeland to get

			50
the regiment ready to
move at an hours notice.
There was immediately
“hurrying to and fro” 
in good earnest. The 
company was got into
line and the roll called
as soon as possible and
immediately started to
take care of the horses..
while the cooks commen
ced preparations for
breakfast. and Sergt
Cooke commenced
packing all superflu
ous baggage to return
it to the Quartermaster
  This all happened at
four Oclock, the bearer
of dispatches immediately
notified the 6th and 

51
I doubt not they were
ready to move long before
we were.. At daylight
the companies were drilled
in the manual of arms
with the pistol consisting
in loading and firing
minus the cartridges..
   As soon as the Col
received the orders referred
to above. he dispatched Major
Newcombe to Genl Copeland
with directions to report
to him our condition as
he considered us too unfit
to take the field.. Nothing
certain was generally under
stood concerning Genl
Copelands answer [illegible in original]
to this representation..
But the following

			52
events which took place
during the day:
At nine O'clock the
companies fell out for the
usual morning drill.. and
in the afternoon the usual
Officers and Sergts drill and
the companies drill in
Sabre exercise was held.
     Dress Parade was held
immediately after guard
mounting.. As I was just
releived I did not attend..
But I understood from
those who were there that
the principal cause for
the Parade was to read
the orders confirming the
appointment of the several
non commissioned officers
throughout the entire
regiment.


53
	Camp Kellogg
Wednesday. March 25 /63
	We had quite a severe
storm of rain which was
over by daylight.. Most of
the day has been quite
pleasant. and spring like..
the morning was misty
              o
with a co^l refreshing breeze
and really like a May 
morning..
	As we were falling
in for our usual drill
orders came to prepare for
a review..  After getting
into column we were mar
ched about a mile to the
drill ground of the 6th
where we were kept about
four hours going through 
the evolutions of platoons

			54
right wheel and marching
in column of platoons in
review.. Col Mann seemed
to be well pleased with the
review and gave us great
praise for our good action..
even going so far as to say 
that he had seen many
cavalry reviews but had never
seen a better one than
ours. and that it would
not be long ere we should
be the best drilled regiment
in the field.. Bully
for him. I would like
to see the man who could 
beat him at bragging..
   Skillman the more I
see him the more I like
him. I respect him. for
his military knowledge

55
and energy. his efforts
to raise and discipline
the regiment and his
good success.. against
the fearful odds that
has worked against
him in every way

	Thursday March 26
Drill in the forenoon
fell out in the afternoon
for O & S drill when
Maj Newcombe gave us
orders to prepare to move
to Fairfax C.H. during
the afternoon and night
Broke ranks and
immediatley commen
ced preparations to move


			56
 	Fairfax C. House
		Friday 27
Left camp Kellogg
last night about 9
and after travelling
all night reached our
present camp at day
light  We came via
Alexandria passing
through that place
at about 12 Oclock.
As the journey was
all by night we could
see but little of the
country.. The night
was clear and moon 
light. and if it had
not been so cold the
night would have 
been a very pleasant
one for our journey

57
   We pitched our camp
about 1 mile East of
Fairfax C. House in
a pleasant little grove.
   Maj Houston with
five or six of our com
pany rode on to the C. H
to make arrangements
 for some forage for our
horses. The 5th is
camped just across
the pike from us and
the 6th is encamped
a little nearer the village
house on the opposite side
of the road. The 9th Batt
came through last
night and camped
a little nearer to the
village..

			58
  Was detailed for guard
tonight. but at guard
mounting found that
one Segt too many had
been detailed so Loomis
who was somewhat unwell
released me from guard
and set me to acting 
Sergt Major..

	Fairfax C.H. Va
	Saturday 28. 1863
Rained all night and
greater part of today
Nothing of any impor
tance occurred.
   Twenty men and
two Segts were detailed
to pitch tents for
head Quarters

59
 	Fairfax CH. Va
	Sunday March 29
Clear but cold and very
windy Last night
Col Litchfield  Capt
Walker and 15 of our
men went out on a
scout towards Burke's
Station. leaving here
about 2 Oclock and
returning at day
light..     On acct of
the bad weather
no inspection was
held today..
    Loomis releived
me from my duty
as Segt Major after
Guard mounting

			60
	Fairfax C.H. Va
        Monday March 30.
   At tattoo last night
we were ordered out fully
prepared to move as soon
as possible:
   We were in line short
ly when Capt ordered
me to take 20 men &
3 Corporals and report
at Genl Stahel's Head
Quarters where we were
put on Guard. The
rest after. as I am told.
sitting in the saddle
3 or 4 hours went to
bed again.. Maj. Gen
Stahel is commander
in chief of all cav forces
in this department..
  He is a German
as his name implies

61
Today he has gone
with Col. Price. Capt
Lawrence. a Sergt and
ten men to inspect
the lines around here..

	Fairfax C.H. Virginia
	     Tuesday March 31
Was releived from
guard at 9 Oclock
last night and after
feeding our horses
and getting our own
supper went to bed..
   At midnight we
were turned out. with
orders to take 3 days
rations with us..
   But on examina
tion found we had no 
rations

			62
   The teams were sent
to Fairfax Station after
something to eat. and
after packing blan
kets and saddles
went to bed again
leaving our horses
saddled and blankets
strapped. On rising
this morning we 
found 3 or 4 inches
of snow on the ground
and weather cold as
Greenland.. Unsaddled
horses and settled down..
  Genl Stahel has
given orders to have
a general inspection
of all troops in this 
division


63
	Fairfax C.H. Va
	Thursday April 2
  No alarms Tuesday
night so that we
passed one night
without being routed..
  Yesterday morning
orders came for inspec
tion and as we just got 
ready to fall into line
the order was counter
manded. and at first
20 men were ordered to
go after oats. to Fairfax
Station. soon after the
detail was reduced to
twelve while the
rest of us were ordered 
to go and police off
some new ground 
for a camp.

			64
We concluded as it was
near noon to wait till
after dinner. Just as the
cooks sung out “dinner”
Major Newcombe came
to Capt. tent and told
him to get his company
to go out on a raid or
scout.. We saddled up
without waiting for 
dinner which we
had passed around
after we were in line.
Co B. C & E with
ours all under com
mand of Maj Newcomb
left camp about 1 Oclock
and travelling along the
pike until after pass
ing the pickets we struck
off to the left and went
in that direction 8 mi

65
When we stopped on
a hill and sent out
squads in different
directions to look for
rebs" They all returned
soon after dark bring
ing back nothing..
     Just before we
stopped the advance
guard espied a man
with a gun in his 
hand tyring to
get away from them
and spurring their
horses they caught 
him.. and after some
talking they took 
him prisoner and
brought him in..
   As soon as the scouts
returned we started
for camp and reached

			66
here about midnight
   This morning, it
is said that the pris
oner whom we brought
in refused to take the
Oath unless he does
he will probably be sent
to Washington and
retained as a prisoner
   To day has been
warm and now
has all the appearance of
a rain storm before
morning..
     Yesterday morning
the mail from Washing
ton was received and it
brought me six most
welcome letters..
   Today I have answered
two of them..

67
   This afternoon we
have been cleaning off
a piece of ground for
a camp: It seems to
be all Col Mann's
ambition to fix up
nice camps.
   Night before last
it is said that 120 
of the first Vermont
regt was led into
an ambush and all
Killed and taken pris
oners. but a few miles
from here. They were
atttacked by a portion
of Moseby's men, and
in the battle it is
said that Moseby was
killed by the sword
in the hands of the 
Vt Captain who was

			68
immediately shot by one
of Mosebys men..
  Two Lieuts were also
Killed and some ten
or 15 men..

	Fairfax C.H. Va April 5..
Friday was a fair pleasant
day. and quite warm and
springlike.. We moved our
camp in the afternoon..
   About midnight four
men came into camp
passing the guard with
the countersign and talked
for sometime with the
Officer of the guard.
who after they had gone
thought that they might
have been spies and ac
cordingly reported the
fact to the Officer of

69
the Day who chanced 
to be Capt Walker and
he immediately ordered
the company out..
   We fell out and divided
into two squads. one un
der Lieut Briggs. the other
under Lieut Knight..
Those under Lieut Briggs
went away to the south
while we under Lieut
Knight took the “Pike”
and went east about ¾
of a mile. when Lieut ordered
me to take six men and
guard the road while he
took the other ten and
went away on a by road
to the north. He was gone
about an hour and when
he returned we came back
to camp.

			70
We reported to Capt Walker
and received permission to
go to bed: The other squad
returned soon after we had
got back and they also
went to bed again:
   Yesterday morning we
received orders to have
squardon drill in the
forenoon. and in the
afternoon O.S. & Cs were
ordered to drill.. But on
falling out for drill
we found not over
thirty-two to drill. We
each received 24 rounds
of blank cartridges
for our pistols. but
after furnishing firing
the loads already in
them it was thought
too cold and the drill

71
was changed to the
charge mounted.. We
at first made the charge
by twos and then by fours..
and as Col Mann was
not very well pleased
with the charge. as we
executed it he changed
it again and drilled us
in squadron march by
the trot..
     Yesterday morning
I received a letter from
Geo W Lee. and last night
got one from Father and Nell..
   Capt Walker went
to Washington last night
accompanied by Capt 
Warner of Co B.. It is
night not known
what their business

			72
was there.
   Just at dark last
night it commenced
snowing and must have
continued snowing all
night as this morning
there was over a foot of
snow on a level.. It
stopped snowing about
ten O'clock and now
more than half of it
is gone..
   The 5th and 6th Mich
Cavalry went out on a
scout Friday and it was
reported last night that
they were fighting near
Centreville.. The 18th
Pennsylvania cavalry
also went out the same 
afternoon..

73
The 2nd Pennsylvania
cavalry arrived near
here yesterday afternoon..
and it was thought at
first that they would
pitch camp on the ground
which we left. But as
I have not been away
from camp so far as
that I do not know
whether they did or not..
It is growing cold again
and small flakes of snow
are flying around pre
saging another storm..
   It was too stormy
for inspection consequent
ly I have employed 
my time answering
Father's andd M. Fultons
letters..


			74
	Fairfax C.. H. Va
	    Monday April 5
   Was detailed last night
to take 18 men and 1
Corporal and report at 
  Genl Stahels head
quarters for guard..
We reported here at
about seven O'clock and
have been here since..
Expect to be releived to
night.. Some alterations
have been made here
within the past week..
But they do not seem to 
be fully settled yet..
   A part of the 1st Ohio
Cavalry used as body
guard to Genl Stahel
are camped near here.

75
A Lieut and 20
men have gone as an
escort for one of the
Majors on the staff..
     Genl Stahel accom
panied by a Lieut and
two men has gone
away towards Wash
ington this morning.
   The 5th & 6th Mich
Cavalry and 19th Penn.
Cavalry returned to
their camps yesterday
and last night having
captured 87. prisoners
with their horses and
arms and some other
plunder.. The 6th 
Mich it is said lost
two men Killed and 
one wounded

			76
Much excitement
seemed to be felt in
the village last night
and orderlies were com
ing here often until quite
late in the night..
   Col Johnson also came
here about 1 Oclock..
   The 18th Penn. cav. was
ordered out but Col John
son after seeing Genl
 Stahel sent an orderly
to countermand the order..
   Genl Copeland was up
here this morning and
I got a glimpse of him
   He is a fine looking 
well built and well pro
portioned man	

77
He is perhaps 45 years
old with a full black
beard and keen black
eye and seems to be a
whole souled man..
   Last night was very
clear and cold and to
day is cold but not
so clear as yesterday after
the storm ceased
   The snow is almost
gone and the birds are
singing a little in the 
trees near us.
   The 6th seem to be
practicing target firing
this afternoon as reports
of pistols are heard to
the north of us
   I saw this morning
a citizen who was pres
ent at the cavalry

			78
skirmish near Draines
ville last week. He contra
dicts the report that Moseby
was Killed or even wounded
but says that his horse
was too fast and that
his movements with his
sword were too quick to
allow of being touched
by any one..
	A detail of men
from our regt are here
fitting up floors in 
the tents and building
sidewalks from the doors
of the headquarters along
in the front of the tents
occuped by the Staff Officers
Another fatigue party
is also work fixing up
the fence around the
yard and also build


79
ing a log house for the guards..
	A short time ago
a “secesh” citizen was
captured around in 
the woods a short dis
tance from here with
a fine span of horses
apparently trying to
escape through our
picket lines to the rebels..
He was brought to Genl
Stahel, who ordered him 
sent to the Provost Mar
shal at the Court 
House..
	I saw some of the
horses that were captured
by the 6th going to
the C.H. to be given
over to the Provost Mar
shal.

			80

They were also carrying
some of the arms. old
Springfield muskets some
with and some without
bayonets..
   Yesterday. Tom Smith
and Henderson went out
“foraging” yesterday and 
brought in a dozen chick
ens: fine plump fat ones..
They gave two to Lieut
Briggs and Nichols. two
or three the “Field and
Staff” of the regt and
divided the rest among
the company.. We had
dried apple sauce for
supper which with a
small piece of chicken
made a good supper

81
Picket Station No 1
   1½ miles west of F.C.H.
        	Thursday April 9./63
         	Co “A” is on its first
tour of picket duty..
Yesterday afternoon Capt
Walker recd orders to take
50 men of his command
and releive Co “D” that
had been out since
Monday night. We were
ready and left camp
at 6. O'clock releiving
them about 7 O'clock..
                                    ed
15 of our men are station^
on this pike extending
out about 2 miles from
here. and the remainder
are on the road leading
southwest to Centreville.

			82
			 ed   
Capt Walker has establish^
his headquarters here and
I am with him assisting
him in taking charge
of the guards on this
road.. I did nothing
last night after posting
the guards on this road,
as Capt was kind enough 
to allow me to sleep from
ten until three O.clock…
   He took Pierce with
him in making the
“Grand Rounds” thus
releiving me from a
most unpleasant duty..
This morning soon after
daybreak we heard the
reports of two pistols and
as Capt was asleep I
was compelled to answer 
the call..

83
Riding up the road
I found that as usual
Hathaway had carelessly
dropped his pistol, which,
striking the hammer
upon a stone had caused
the explosion, and that
Perrine as in duty
he was bound. had fired
his pistol. and thus caused
the alarm. It, however,
went no farther than
these HdQuarters and
consequently did not alarm
the camp. I gave him
quite a severe reprimand
and cautioned him against
repeating the act..
I had just finished my 
breakfast. and started
to exchange Cook on

			84
post No two. for Smith
on No 5, the outer post
when I saw “Dixie” giving
a signal by circling his
horse. I visited him and
the succeeding posts
until I found that
the alarm. came from
Hollis on No 4. who imag
ined that he saw the one
on No 5 giving the signal. 
but on visiting him found
that he had given no signal
On my way back I gave
Hollis to understand that
he had better be sure of
a thing before he gave an
other alarm:   After
returning. I went out
on the Centreville “pike”
as I had been ordered by
the Capt. to give the

85
men their instructions
for the day.. I found most
of them all right.. Trumble
had a notion that he
could do picket duty on
foot as well as to sit
his horse all the time..
  I gave him his instruc
tions quite positively not
to be caught on foot again.
while standing his trick”
   As these lines were
only established last Fri
day no very good places
have yet been erected to
shelter the men. Along
this road nearly every
post has a shelter of logs
or something else..
   Here we have a log pen
high enough to stand
up in comfortably and 

			86
some eight feet square.
A floor is laid of bricks.
a good fireplace and
chimney are built. and
a good couch of poles set
at some 18 inches above the
‘floor and covered with
pine boughs.. The roof
is not very good. but by
using our “Poncho's” it is
easily made a good pro
tection. Post No 2. is
near the ruins of German
town some half mile from
here. once a pleasant village
nearly as large as Fairfax
C.H. but now not a 
house is standing and
scarcely one stone upon
another.. No shelter
except that afforded 
by a small shelter 

87
is found here. No 3 has
an old corn. crib No 2
an old wagon shed and
No 5 a log hut built by
the 5th New York Cavalry
as they were once encamped
on the same spot..
In the orchard and gar
den at No 4. is the grave
of a citizen once the owner
I presume of the farm
marked by a fine marble
slab. Near that grave
is that of a soldier in
one of the Ohio regiments
made there sometime dur
ing last summer. Two
other large holes were near
them having the appear
ance of having been graves
from which the bodies

			88
had been removed. let
us hope by friends who
buried them in a civilized
country and among friends.
Just across the road
near us is another grave
with the name of Jacob 
Watson. and the two
letters G A on the head
board. It is hard to tell
whether it is the grave
of a Southern Soldier
but whether Federal
or Confederate his grave
shall be as sacred from
harm by me as my
own brothers..
   Along the Centreville
road the men have
nothing but green
Bough Houses. for shel
ter,

89
As I was returning from 
my visit to Lieut Knight's
quarters I stopped to
visit a moment with
[illegible in original] Brownell. who
told me that in the
house where they were
posted he had got a
good breakfast. which
made me feel very hungry
and on inquiring I found
that I could obtain a
meal. I ordered one. and
in due course of time
I sat down to a neat
little table with an earth
ern plate. clean cloth.
a china cup and saucer
and all the et ceteras of
a once comfortable and
happy home circle. and
was soon munching

			90
some delicious cakes
and butter, some nice
sweet bacon and drink
ing some delicious coffee
all seasoned with a pleas
ant conversation with
the pleasant and ageeable
hostess.. They were for
merly from New Jersey
or at least the husband
was and removed to this
section some 12 years ago.
and until this war broke
out were in comfortable
circumstances..
  The family consisted
of four children. two
daughters. young ladies
and two sons one a lad
of some 16 years and
the other about 10 or
11 years of age..

91
Since coming here. the
man had married a sec
ond wife. who brought
one slave. into the estate
with her.. a wench. nearly
white. and now some 20 
years of age. a regular
square.toed.stout built
strapping “[illegible in original]” weighing
at least a dozen stone
and apparently strong
enough to wash, scrub.
mop. hoe corn or even
handle a plow..
The armies had nearly
stripped the place of all
appliances for making
a living and they seemed
to be willing to do every
thing by which a few 
pennies could be collected

			92
   They were undoubtedly
Union people, as are
a few families along that
road.. they charged me
37½ cents for my dinner
and although it broke
my last “Green Back”
I feel much better in
body if poorer in purse..
  A. short time since
Calvin and Hanney saw
two suspicious looking
men skulking around
apparently trying to evade
the guards. and mount
ing their horses they
pursued them and over 
taking them discovered
them to be negroes going
into the woods to [choke?]


93
On my way out on
the Centreville road I
heard that the Mich
1st had a skirmish
near Union Hills
yesterday or last night
losing two men killed
and one wounded, and
capturing seventeen of
the enemy.. But on 
my way back I saw
four or five men belong
ing to that regt who
told me nothing of the 
Kind had occurred..
   A wagon train passed
here this morning with
four secesh prisoners on
their way to the Provost
Marshall's Office at
Fairfax C.H:

			94
While on picket between
here and Centreville
Tuesday. Capt Armstrong
and Sergt Thomas of
Co “D” had a slight
skirmish with a sol
dier who being drunk
rode up to one of the pick
ets and jerked him
from his horse..
The Capt seeing this
rode up to him and 
made him give up one 
revolver. not thinking
that he had another 
but he rode a little way
off and drawing another 
revolver fired at the Capt
striking his revolver near 
the butt and bruising
his side considerably

95
Sergt Thomas. jerked
him off his horse and
made him a prisoner..
He was a soldier belong
ing to a New York regt
was drunk and had
been abusing the citizens
in their houses.. He was
delivered over to the Provost
Marshal..
	But now having written
enough concerning to days
affairs. let me go back.
We were releived from
guard about 10 Oclock
Monday night. after
I had gone down to camp 
seen the Adjt and
ascertained what company
was to releive us. Co “G”
finally started under
charge of Lieut Newman

			96
who knows almost as
much as a boy ten years
old ought to.. We got to
bed about half past 10 or
nearly 11 O..clock and as
the camp was not alarmed
we slept until revellie
without being disturbed.
Tuesday was a cold
disagreeable day and
being very muddy we
did not drill.. I busied
myself washing my
dirty clothes. shaving
myself and having
a “fighting” cub made
on my hair..
   In the morning Geo.
Brickell told me that
Monday Surgeon Up
John had ordered 
Newts discharge.

97
Not feeling very well
and having on a pair of
government boots which
soon wet through, as I
was compelled to wade
through mud and snow
to see to feeding horses
this for a few moments
caused a feeling the first
I have felt of discontent.
But I soon conquered
it.. and although rejoicing
that he will be dealt
with rightly by giving
him his discharge. which 
he should have. I can
hardly bear the thought
of losing him from
the company. He 
and George are the
only ones in the com
pany with whom I

			98
can content myself
to associate and I shall
soon lose both as George
is in as bad a condition
as Newt and if he
took the proper steps
would obtain a discharge
as readily as Newt..
   I inquired of Newt
concerning it and lear
ned that the Surgeon
on examination Monday
had ordered the Capt
to make out his
discharge. The Capt
did so. on Tuesday
and the paper is now
         its
on his way to the
proper authorities
and we may expect
to part within a
month to meet

99
perhaps never.. But
I do not think we shall
be separated long..
Either this war will
soon end or as the 
summer season comes
I shall be unable to
endure the heat and
“faint by the wayside”
   Tuesday afternoon
Crocker and I mounted
our horses and rode
over to the village.
The guard at the 
entrance halted
us. but let us pass
with a few words.
after passing in we
tied our horses and
visited the barber shop
the store. [illegible in original]
rooms and finally

			100
entered the eating
saloon.. As we left the
store we noticed a part
of the Patrol guard
trying to arrest a
drunken soldier.. and
soon after entering
the eating saloon 
a Sergt with some
men appeared at the 
door. and the Sergt enter
ing politely requested to
see our passes. We informed
him of the circumstances
in which we were placed 
when he told us that
we had better get out
of the village as soon
as we could. As we had
ordered some pies we
got them and left
Fairfax C H as soon 

101
as we conveniently
could without exciting
suspicions among others
that we were not all
right..
     Yesterday morning
we drew our “A tents
which had come the
day before and worked
all day getting them
fixed up. Newt. George
Chet. Calvin and I
united together and
fixed up a foundation
of logs some 2 feet high
and then placed our
tent on the top of that..
making a very nice thing
We had just finished
it and began to think 
of a good nights rest
when Chet and I

were forced leave..
   This afternoon we have
heard considerably mus
ketry firing towards
Centreville accompanied
by a little cannonading
The Capt. has already
gone out that way
or I should try to go
and ascertain the cause
of it.. A man passed here
this forenoon. with the
story that he had recd
a letter from some pre
tending to be [posted?]. say
ing that the rebels 
would attack Centreville
within a day or two.
He went to Genl Stahel
with the report. 

103
	Picket Camp
     Wolf Run. Shoals. Va
               April 11th 1863
   We were releived from
picket duty Thursday
night by Cos. B & C.
and reached camp about
midnight. At about
11 Oclock yesterday Capt
Walker received orders to
take 50 men and go
on picket duty at this
place for 30 days. We
left camp about 3 O'clock
and reached our present
camp about 5½ O'Clock
The country through
which we passed is
like all that I have
seen in Virginia
not very inviting to
one looking for a

			104
home. We left Fairfax
C. H. and turning to
the left took across
the country over fields
and through woods
with no established roads
We passed through
Fairfax station
built of tents and log
huts I do not remem
ber seeing a house
there..     McClellans
Corduroy road commen
ces near there and
continues some miles
in this direction..
Breast works are
thrown up around
the station to consider
able distance. The
  Penn. Bucktails
were at F. Station

105
Just beyond us near
the Occoquan River
is encamped Genl
Blunt's Brigade of
Vt troops consisting
of the 12th & 14th Vermont 
regts..
     Just after arriving
here. we had to detail 17. men
and 3 non. com. officers
for Picket duty releiving
the 1st Mich. Cavalry.
who have been here a long
time.. They are stationed
at Union Mills.. Yates,
Island. Junction &
Davis. Fords. Woodyard
and Slickmans, and
at Mill's Ford.

			106

Capt. Walker is comman
der of the detachment. and
Sergt. Holton Act Adjt
of the same. and I am
acting 1st Sergt of our
Co. We have 50 men,
Co D is all here. a part
of Co “C” and a part of 
Co E. making in all
about 250 men and
officers. I have not yet
been away from camp
and Know nothing of
its surroundings..
We are in a grove of oaks
with water handy and
convenient.. have no duty
to perform except when
detailed for pickets and
the weather is fine
anticipate good times

107
Yesterday was a very
beautiful day warm and
clear. and reminding us
of the warm spring weather
at home. Today is warmer
and quite as beautiful and
we should feel quite well
if it were not that our
       have
horses ^ had nothing to eat
since last night.
     Two. O'clock.P.M.
     Just at the time I had
finished the above lines
Capt.. Walker came into 
camp and asked me to
accompany him on a
ride. I saddled up and
was soon ready. and found
a Sergt and 6 or 8 men
already to move..

			108
We moved up and
found that we were to
escort Col. acting Brig
Genl Blunt on a tour
of inspection of the picket
stations.. We went up the
Occoquan to it's junction
with Bull Run and
then up that to the last
outpost.. The country
is very hilly. almost moun
tainous.. and as it was
very woody. we had to run
around a good deal..
Three or four times
we were obliged to retreat
and wind around
hills.. and across little runs..

109
Col. Blunt is a "cracker"
to ride. Nearly all the way
whenever the face of the
country would permit
he rode at a full gallop
and some places a dead
run.. It seemed hard
to put our horses through
at the same rate that
he did but we were
expected to “Keep up with 
the procession or Kill 
a horse” and I found
no difficulty in doing 
so.. The battery at
the camp was firing
shells for practice.
nearly all the forenoon.
It was quite amusing
as well as interesting
to see the shells and
hear the noise made

			110
by them in their
journey through the
air.. On the hill
near the junction of
Bull Run with the
Occoquan we saw some
thing resembling a camp
and Capt Walker look
ing through his glass
pronounced it to
be old barracks but
not at present occupied
   Our boys are not required
to stand on post as pickets
are usually expected to
do. but to act as messen
gers for the Infantry
pickets. Those who
were out last night
were well pleased with
their places and were
almost sorry to be releived.


111
Capt Walker told me
that he should go out
again tomorrow and
that I might go
with him.
   Yesterday morning
   Newt received a letter
from Harrison Barn
house at Alexandria
and as Alex McNiel
was going through
with his team he
went with him to
see Harrison..
   The 12th Vt or a part
of it just passed us
a few moments ago
on their way to their drill
bound for the purpose
of drilling.. They are a
fine, large lot of men,

			112

            Stagg
Lt Col. Bial came
through to guide the
column yesterday..
He is a fine looking 
man of not over 25 or 30 
years of age with not the
least of “style” observable
about him.  In fact
the same may be said
of any and all officers
who have seen service any
length of time. Genl Stahel.
Genl. Copeland nor any
other officer that I have
yet seen puts on anywhere
                      n
near the amou^t of style
that Col. Mann. or Grey
of the 6th does

113
	Wolf. Run Shoals
	       Sunday April 12.
     It is very hot and
sultry.. today. I presume
that in the open country
there is quite a breeze, but
in our camp the trees will
not admit the air very much..
     This morning I recd
orders from Capt Walker
to prepare a check roll
of the company prepara
tory to mustering..
     I executed the order
and have been free from
duty since then..
     A large mail came
for our company but not
a letter or paper for me..

			114
Capt. and Segt OBrien
have gone to inspect the
picket line this morning..
On account of the order
relative to mustering Capt
thought it best that I should
not leave camp today..
   We have no inspection to
day. and everything seems
to indicate that I at
least. will have quite easy
times for the next thirty
days. Major Huston came
through from Fairfax C.H.
last night. bringing Lieut
Birney of Co. "C." with him..
Lieut Birney returned to 
camp this morning.. Capt
Armstrong of Co “B” also
returned to camp this mor
ning..

115
Lieut Briggs is now
acting Quartermaster &
commissary of the Detach
ment. Lieut Littlefield
Adjutant and Sergt
Holton Sergt Major..
   It is rumored that we
shall move camp again
tomorrow..
   We went last night to
the shoals to water our
horses. and from there
we could see the remains
of an old rebel fort..
   The firing yesterday was
shell practice. trying their
skill in bursting the shells
over the ford not half a mile
distant from the battery
   A house on the other
side of the Creek. was
discovered a few days

			116
ago to be inhabited. which
had not been so for some
time. A scouting party was
sent through towards
the house when they were
seen to “skedaddle..”
It is said that they were
men dressed in womens
clothes.. Yesterday they riddled
the house with shot and
shell..    Last night our
teams came through bring
ing some forage for the horses
and a barrel of potatoes for
our company. but nothing
else.. we begin to need some
“hard tacks” as I have had
none of my own since yes
terday at dinner time..
Last night Reynolds & 
Crooks while on guard
duty found where they

117
could get some beef steak
and accordingly appropriated
it for their own use and
this morning we had
quite a good breakfast..
but for dinner we had
nothing but potatoes
and coffee:
   We see many of the 1st Mich
Cavalry and it is quite inter
esting to listen to their many
stories of adventures with their
“rebs” A few days ago four
of their boys went across
the “picket lines into the 
country where they came
upon 11 of the rebs.
   Upon discovering them
they at first divided and
deployed as skirmishers
on the sides of the roads..

			118
As this did not seem
to frighten the rebs. they
rallied again and coming 
together made a charge
and dashed through
them.. One of their horses
was shot in the head. but
ran some 3 miles before
he fell.. One of them said 
that the last he saw of 
the “rebs” three of them
were lying in the road..
   A few days before we
came here some of the
pickets discovered three
men. some distance off.
who came up and gave
                           as
themselves up ^ deserters..
They were. one capt. 1 Lieut
and an Orderly Sergt
they reported themselves 
as belonging to Stuarts

119
cavalry and had deser
ted. after having been lost
while on a march.. on which
they had been separated from
their company..
   In reporting yesterday I
said that Lt. Col. Price
accompanied us through here
I was misinformed..
It was Lieut Col. Stagg.
whose quarters are some
distance from here towards
Centerville..
	Wolf Run shoals
	Virginia April 13th
   Day somewhat cloudy but
quite warm. Have 14 men
on picket and orderly duty.
  This morning Capt
Walker being Officer of
the Day was required to
inspect the picket.

			120
posts again. and
about 10 O.clock [illegible in original]
Sergt Gales of Co E.
private Brininstool and
myself set out. We wished
to inspect those on the 
river below us. After
leaving camp we turned
to the right and following
a small path something
more than a mile through
woods over hills and
through hollows we struck
the river at the first
post.. Finding all right
here we followed the creek
a short distance when
we were compelled to climb
the bank where it was
so steep that one could
hardly cling to his
saddle.


121
The regt post was some
2 miles further and the
road which led to it was
like the other narrow. hilly
and full of brush. and as
we went at a smart pace
nearly all the way one had
to dodge nearly every moment
to prevent being struck in
the face and eyes.
   After leaving the second
post we were compelled
to retrace our path some
¾ of a mile and after
travelling nearly a mile 
farther through the woods
we struck a travelled road.
over which we went at
a smart rate when striking
a clear spot of about ½ a mile
the Capt. led off into a
dead run and Gate's

			122
and I followed. The Capt
urged his horse to nearly
his best pace. while we kept
up for nearly half the distance
quite easily: but he began
to gain on us a little, so
putting the spurs to mine
I came up to him again
before we got where we were
obliged to stop..
     When Brininstool
came up he told us that
he thought we were on
the wrong road. as he had
accompanied the Sergt
who posted the pickets
yesterday morning and
had come to show us
the way.. But after
looking a little farther
he said we were right


123
and we went on. Soon
however we came to the
camp of the 13th Vt Vol
and found that we were
far out of the way. so
nothing remained but
for us to turn back..
which we accordingly did
and stopping at one of
their picket posts in
quired for Silckman's
Ford.. Taking the
direction that they
pointed. out we struck
into the woods and
set out alone and 
of course being entirely
ignorant of the country
we would rather have
had a guide. After
travelling a short distance
we came to an 

			124
opening made by some set
ler and Capt desiring
some one to inquire the
direction I rode down to the
house and inquired the
distance. The family at
the house consisted of a quite
intelligent looking
woman and 2 or 3 small
children, appearanses indi
cating that they were in
quite comfortable circumstan
ces. Following the direc
tion she pointed out we
soon came in sight of
the ford and after riding
down hill through low
thick underbrush and 
jumping one six rail 
fence we reached the
picket post.

125
     After resting our horses
a few minutes we started
for camp again. Taking a
new road and falling
in with the pickets just
relieved Brininstool
whose horse not being
very well could not stand
it to go as fast as the
Capt wished to ride joined 
them. and Gates and
I submitting to the
Capts judgement to find
the way back to camp
he led us through a
great many cross roads
of which I took no notice
and reached camp about
1 O'clock. This morning
we were entirely out of
provisions except coffee

			126
and our teams with them
not having come we did
not know what to do for a
breakfast. But seeing two
of our boys coming from the
Vt camp with bread. Gra
ham and I went down
there when we met a Capt
who told us that as he
had heard that we were
short and as they had
plenty and more than
they could use we were
welcome. to anything that
we wished in shape of bread
rice beans. or pork. Thank
ing him gratefully for
his kindness we accepted
a box of hard crackers
and a small piece of
pork which we divided
among the company


127
and then sent some 
one back  after some beans
and some pork. and today
we had quite a good din
ner. of pork. beans and
“Hard Tack” Our teams
also came with provisions
and I think we shall
not again find ourselves
so destitute while we re
main here. Pitts Walling
came through with
the teams having come
down to  Fairfax Station
where he found Dick
Davis with the team
and came through with
him. I think he has
gone through to camp
today. E L Lang also
came through with 
Briggs last night.

			128
	Wolf Run Shoals
	Tuesday April 14th
   Day clear and warm.
but air feeling somewhat
like rain. Firing heard
in the direction of Center
ville and also towards
Washington but it is
probably only firing for
practice. as they usually
do. on Tuesdays and Sat
urdays.. Sent out 14 pick
ets and two corporals
on duty this morning.
Last night towards
sunset I asked permis
sion of Capt Walker to 
accompany the Sergt who
posts the pickets between
here and Union mills
this morning


129
   He told me that
his duties as Officer of
the Day would compel
him to visit those posts
last night and that I 
might accompany him
if I desired to. I saddled
up and we started
about sundown. We
reached Island Ford
just at dark and
Yates's some half hour
later by which time it was
getting quite dark, and
as none of us had been
to Union Mills by this
route we were not cer
tain of getting through
without some difficulty
But we came through
all right and reached
Union Mills about 8 Ock

			130
   Remaining there
about half an hour we
started for camp.. Capt
had been through by 
daylight and feeling quite
confident that he could
lead us directly to camp
we jogged on at a pretty
smart pace.. After
riding nearly an hour we
looked around us and came
to the conclusion that we
were on the wrong road
But feeling confident
that the one we were then
on would lead us on to 
some one that led to camp
we Kept on through brush
and hollows and over hills
until we came in hearing
of wagons apparently moving
in the same direction

131
that we were but to the
right of us.. we kept on
until we became certain
that if we followed that
road it would lead us out
to Fairfax Station and
turning to the right across
the field we struck for
the other track. Crossing
the field we came into
a wood where some one
had been chopping wood.
A short distance brought
us to a brook. where calling
a “Council of War” Capt
and his orderly a man from
Co “[C?]” dismounted and
crossing the stream
started through the “grubs” 
to find an opening..
   They saw no horse
but soon aroused a

			132
lot of hounds who kept up
an awful howling and
scattered in every direction
some of them coming quite
close to me. Capt and his man
soon returned. and reporting
his discovery we crossed
the stream and struck out..
Crossing the field we came
to an old barn but could
see no road and keeping
through the field we struck
a path which led us into
a tamarack swamp, the
Capt wished to explore
this swamp but after
going alon short distance
we prevailed on him to
turn back, and going back
to the barn we kept to the
right a little way when
we came to two roads

133
            took the
of which we ^ left one.
After leaving the barn
about half a mile we
came to where the road
was so stopped up that
we were on the point of
turning back. when the
orderly discovered a pas
sage through and we
soon had the pleasure
of striking the “Corduroy” 
which leads directly to
our camp.. and about
12 O'clock we rode into
camp.. On the other road
through which we passed
if the enemy could cross
the river they might
get down back of our
camps and cut off all
chances of escape..


		134
   As we neared the pickets
at Woodyards Ford we met
a man running who on
seeing Capt began talking
wildly about rags cloth
and other things. But in
a moment he recovered
himself and informed
him that his boy had
just been shot by one of
our boys and on seeing
him he had mistaken
him for the Surgeon
who had been sent for
On arriving at the post
we found the poor boy
laying on the floor moan
ing and in great agony
He had been shot thru
the left arm, the ball
passing through the arm
and entering the body

135
on the left side and pass
ing out near the spine..
     It seems that Harvey
while capping his revol
ver had carelessly let the
hammer slip and as
it struck the cap of course
exploded it. and dischar
ged the load..
   It will undoubtedly
kill him..

	Wolf Run Shoals
	Thursday April 17
     Tuesday forenoon just
finishing those lines above
Capt Walker came to me and
asked if my horse and my
self were able to go with Major
Foote of the 6th along the
picket lines. I told him
that we were.

			136
   He desired me to get
ready and report imme
diately. I did so, and
we left camp about
11 Oclock.    Major
Foote wished to go down
the creek first and as
I was expected to act as
guide I led off..
   Every thing went off
smoothly until we left
Mills Ford..
   Here they reported hav
ing heard two rifle shots
across the river. and that
those whom they releived
had reported hearing drums
and martial music both
the evening before and
that same morning..

137
Leaving this ford we
started for Slickman's
ford.. As the Major desired
to take but one man
with us I chose one from
Co “E” who had been on
that post the day before
and relying on his knowl
edge of the route we star
ted.. It was not long
before I became convin
ced that we had lost
our road but as we
were on a good one and one
leading in the same di
rection we kept on.. We at
last came to the plantation
of one Mr Davids near the
ford. But lost the road
and went some distance
out of our way again.

			138
    		           n
   After rambling arou^d
a while we finally struck
the ford.. On starting
back we concluded to go
to the camp of the 13th Vt
and in attempting to reach
it came near getting lost
again.. At their camp the
Major procured a guide
one of the 18th Penn Cav
who conducted us back to
camp which we reached
about 6 P.M.
     After having been lost
the night before it did 
not seem possible to 
be certain of anything. and
I do not beleive that I
could find the same
road again.

139
  Howe. who was posted
at Mills Ford came in
soon after I reached camp
and reported having seen
several mounted men on
the opposite side of the creek,
and some on foot lurking
in the woods. also seeing
one in the top of a tree
all of whom were too far
away to be in range of their
pieces. The officers laughed
at him some. But a
detail of 25 men under
charge of Lieut Briggs were
sent on a scout between
here and the 13th Vt
On reaching camp I heard
that our regt had moved
and were on their way to
cross the river near Occoquan
Village.

			140
  Those who went out on
the scout with Lieut Briggs
also found their camp.
   Yesterday it rained all
day and we did nothing
but sleep or stand out in
the rain.. George Vosburgh
reached us Yesterday mor
ning having been kept by
the pickets on the road
between here and Fairfax
Station.. Yesterday afternoon
as the report goes Lt Col
Litchfield took about 150
men and crossed the river
at the ferry near Occoquan
Mills. but before they came
back some one cut the
ferry boat and the creek
rising rapidly they were
unable to get back and
are now on the other side..

141
   This morning I procure
a pass for Vosburgh and
myself. and we started
out scouting, we followed
the picket line from
Woodyard ford to Union
Mills and then came back
on the Telegraph roads.
  On reaching Woodyards
we found that the boy
who was shot had died
yesterday morning about
3 Oclock and would be
buried today.. Near Union
Mills there are heavy forti
fications; but as they seem
to have been built to defend
the road coming from
this direction. I think
they must have been [illegible in original]
up by the “rebels”

			142
On the hill on the 
east side of the brook
we could see old rebel
barracks of large extent
and fancied we could
see men near them..
   We could see the Bull
Run mountain and
a ravine through it which
we supposed must be Man
assas Gap.. and between
the Mills and the Mountain
could be seen old Rebel
camps. It is some 4 or 5
miles from Union Mills
to the battle field of July
21 1861. and some 6 or
7 to the one of August 1862.
   The railroad bridge
at the mills which was
repaired on Monday and
Tuesday was almost

143
destroyed by the [illegible in original]
last night.. On our
way back we felt rather
hungry. and also wishing
to test the patriotism of
the people we began to 
look for some dinner. The
first place we stopped we
found two old women who
declined getting us any. and
we were only too glad that
they did after seeing the in
terior of their house.. The next 
house we passed seeing a
man at work in the yard
we rode up to the gate and in
quired if he could get us
some dinner. But declining
because his family were sick
we rode on. Our opinion
was, that he did not want
to furnish Union men

			144
anything. Everything
about him was in good
shape. and he had much
the nicest place of any
I have yet seen..
     At the next place
they were just getting
dinner. but on asking
the man he at first de
clined on the plea of noth
ing to eat but on the second
thought and on consulta
tion with the women
and his negro cook
he concluded that he could
feed us. We had corn
hoe cakes. boiled bacon,
boiled cabbages. parsnips
and dried apple sauce.
and beans.. While
eating dinner we soun
ded him enough to

145
be convinced that he was
secesh all through..
   After eating we called
for the bill which was
50 cts after searching our
pockets for change George 
finally produced a one
on the “Erie and Kalamazoo
Railroad Bank” which
he refused to take and
as I had but 20 cts in 
Ole S. Scrip which I
did not propose to spend
then we left him with
out paying any thing
It is now trying to 
rain again..

		146
Selickmans Ford 
   Sunday Apr 19
     We find ourselves again
in a new camp. having
moved from our camp at
Wolf Run Shoals on Friday
last.. After returning to
camp Thursday I learned
that our company had
been mustered during
my absence. Just at revel
lie on Friday morning
and while I was forming 
the company for roll call
an orderly brought a paper
to Segt. Walker who after
reading it signed it
and after the roll was
called told us that it 
was an order to join the
regiment and that we
must strike tents

147
and prepare to move im
mediately.. After the
usual amount of waiting
ordering and cussing
on the part of officers and
grumbling and swearing
among the men we left
camp about ten Oclock
and reached here about
1 Oclock.. We are encamp
ed in the woods on the
Ox road a quarter of
a mile west of the 13th
Vt and have the prettiest
and pleasantest camp
ground we have ever had..
Those boys who went
with Col. Litchfield
across the river returned
on Friday having recovered
                     the
and repaired our ferry
boat..

			148
   Scouting parties are
sent out each day and
return with different
degrees of success. Co. G.
	        evening
came in this morning
with three prisoners
fourteen blankets and
one tent all taken across
the river. The men are
rather hard looking fel
lows yet claiming to be
true Union men.. They
were confined in the
guard tent. as Col Mann
was not here to investigate
their cases.. The blankets
were undoubtedly secesh
blankets. and someone
said the tent had for
merly belonged to some
of Stuarts men,

149
We had battalion drill
yesterday forenoon. in
the large field near the
Vt 13th and this mor
ning we had general re
view and inspection..
  As we arrived on the
ground we found the
Vt 13th just formed 
and so we waited for
them.. They have a fine
body of men, and their
marching was splendid.
The mail, came in
last night bringing
me four letters. one from
Nell, one from J. N. Stephens
and one from C S Lee
and W.W. Kelley..
   Sergt Cooke came
in from Fairfax C.H.
last night.

			150
and has also been there
and back today.. He
reports Newt and George
no better. Tip Knight
is gaining and is coming
through with the teams
tomorrow.. I think I
have forgotten to state
that Pitts Walling joined
us one day last week. On
arriving here we found
a new recruit named
Frank Chapman from
Niles who had come
from the distribution
camp at Alexandria
with Pitts.. We have
had most beautiful
weather yesterday and
to.day.. I understand
that our Co with 3 or 4 more
have been ordered to go

151
through a four days drill
preparatory to being sent out
on a raid which will
take place immediately
after wards.. On inspection
this morning none of us
wore any shoulder scales
for which the Col was very
wrathy and threatened if
it was repeated to fine
every man twice the value
of them. and releive Capt
Walker of his command
  I. don't know how it
will come out but I
think the Scales will
“play out” through
the whole regiment ere
long, and more will
be sorry to see that
day..

			152
	Selickman's Ford
	   Monday. April 21
     Today has not been
very pleasant.. as it has
rained nearly all day..
   This morning at 9 Oclock
we went out to drill. on
foot at target shooting
with our revolvers. the
main object being to dis
charge them and get
rid of the loads most
of which had been in 
them some time.. After
firing a couple of rounds
by file it began to rain.
and Col. Litchfield
commanded us to fire
at will. and get back
to camp as soon as
we could..

153
At noon we received
orders to prepare for a
general inspection of
all government proper
ty.. and we were quite
busy cleaning pistols.
sabres. saddles. and every
thing. which we have
drawn from the general
government.. But as
fortune would have it
it rained so that the
inspection was finally
postponed.. We hardly
know whether to be
glad or not.. for I hate
both the rain i and
the inspection..
   Tip Knight came in
today from the camp
at Fairfax C.H.

			154
	Selickman's Ford
	    Tuesday April 21.
	Day cloudy and
much cooler than for sev
eral days. Was obliged to put
on my overcoat which I 
have not before done for
nearly a week.. We could
not get any hay or oats for
our horses this morning. and
after breakfast some of the 
boys started out foraging
and before they returned a
detail of 15 men and a Segt
was ordered from our company
to go to Wagner's landing to un
load a boat that was loaded
with grain and hay..
   O'Brien at first detailed
me to take charge of the
men. but finally let
me off and sent

Crook. and after think
the matter over I
concluded to go too, and
saddled up and started..
We found the sloop
with a load of nearly
150 bales of hay and some
300. or 400 sacks of oats..
  We pitched in and un
loaded it in about two
hours and reached camp
about 1 O.clock..
     The rest of the com
pany were obliged to drill
in battalion drill..
  This afternoon we are
doing nothing. Those whose
horses have lost shoes
are getting them set
and things look as
though we might have 
something to do before

			156
long. Lieut Briggs
although not pre
tending to know
said a short time
since that he would
not be surprised
if we should go be
fore sunrise tomorrow
morning..
   Today we passed one
place in the wilderness
of ruin that had good 
fences. and two pieces
of winter wheat made
us think of the green
wheat fields at home..
  Peach trees are now
in bloom and the
buds of the apple are
beginning to open some..

157
	Selickmans Ford
	  Friday April 24th
   It has rained almost
constantly since night
before last.. and mud is now
in every place where the wa
ter could reach. Tuesday
was quite a pleasant day..
In the morning we recd
orders to detail 15 men and
a sergt to go to Wagner's
Landing to unload a sloop
filled with oats and hay..
Crook was detailed to go
in command of the men
and feeling in the right
humor I volunteered to go
as a private.. After travel
ling 5 or 6 miles we reached
the boat and found it
laden with about 150
bales of hay and 400

			158
or 500 sacks of grain..
  We pitched in and un
loaded the boat in about
four hours. and started
back to camp.. Those of
the company who remain
ed in camp drilled in
the forenoon in battal
ion drill. We did noth
ing during the afternoon.
   Wednesday. morning
we found that there was
no oats at the Quarter
master's and Capt.
Walker received orders
to take his company
and go after oats..
and return in time 
for drill. We started
immediately after eating
our breakfast.. 


159
but took good care
not to get back in time
for drill.. In the after
noon we had a lecture
on battalion drill from
Col Mann.
   On dismissing us
from the lecture. he
gave orders to each
company to turn
out and go after oats..
Just as we had got
ready to start, Lieut
Briggs received orders
to take 12 men and
go to Dumfries as
a patrol and think
ing I would rather
go there than after
oats. and I asked per
mission to accompany
him which I recd

			160
We crossed the river
at Occoquan Village
on the ferry. and following
the Telegraph road.
all the way enjoyed 
ourselves finely by
seeing the pleasant
country through which
the road runs..
   We reached camp
about eleven Oclock
without orders meeting
with any adventures..
We received word that
seventeen rebels had been 
through there a few
nights since and
stolen some horses..
   While going to the
boat Tuesday I saw
two pieces of winter
wheat the first I have


161
seen in Virginia.. It
was not very good but
yet reminded one of
home. While on our
way to Dumfries we
passed two rebel camps
			 ed
where they were winter^
The huts and the
manner in which
they fixed their tents
showed that they had
some idea of what was
comfortable.. Yesterday
morning we recd orders
to go on picket duty. 
This was almost too
tough for human 
nature to hear.. But.
it had to be done
The rain poured down
in torrents all the
forenoon. and I

			162
soon became wet
completely through
and my boots were
full of water..
  This morning I was
going to releive Crook
who was Sergt of the
pickets when Lieut
Birney of Co “C” came
and inquired of me how
many men were necessary
to do the duty. and in
formed me that Co. [C.?]
would releive us.. this
was cheering news to
the boys.. After that
Reynolds and I pro
cured some lumber
and fixed up our. tent
quite comfortably..


163
Newt Sparks. arrived
in camp yesterday afternoon
and he will now tent
with us now for awhile
Geo Brickell will be
in today or tomorrow..
   The pay master
will be here tomor
row and then we shall
receive our pay..

	Bristletoe Station Va
	    Monday April 27.
As usual once a week
we have again “shifted
our position' and find
ourselves this evening in 
a very different section of
the country.. We are now
on the Orange and Alex
andria Railroad.. some
ten miles distant from


			164
Union Mills and
some three miles from
the ruins of Manassas
Junction.. We left our
camp near Selickman's
Ford last night about
11 O.clock. marched to
Union Mills which
place we reached at 4½ O'Ck
this morning. We then
halted procured oats and
fed our horses. struck
fires and got something
to eat ourselves. After
waiting and resting som
two hours we again re
sumed our march. cross
ing the Bull Run at
the ford just above the
railroad bridge. and
then struck out into
quite a pleasant country

165
Our route led us thru
a once well improved
section of the country
but now everywhere was
signs of the devastating
influence of an invading
army. We passed bar racks
formerly occupied by Davis
forces for winter quarters
and capable of accommo
dating a large army.
Many strong fortifi
cations lay near our
road and it is no longer
a wonder to me that
our men met with so 
strong a resistance as
they did at these points..
     Manassas Junction
was situated in a pleasant
place and had it been
in some of our northern

			166
free states would have
eventually made a place
of considerable size..
It seems however
to have been of the usual
Virginian size and covered
ten or fifteen acres of ground
and contained some
ten or twelve houses besides
the depot.. It was well
fortified and no doubt
would stand a long
and severe seige..
   At this place were
the tracks of more than
an hundred cars.. It
had also contained a
large bakery. or what
I conceived to have been
one where the army
had been supplied
with bread..

167
We passed many
fine farms or what
had once been fine
places with good buil
dings. but now no
fences or anything to
indicate that they
were now occupied
was visible and all
along our road we
passed but 3 houses
that were inhabited..
   We noticed in
particular one farm
that the owner had
undoubtedly been a
wealthy man.. A large
orchard of thirty healthy
trees of perhaps 50 years
growth still stood and
the ornamental
shrubbery of the

			168
yard and grounds
still remained almost
inviolate. His large
commodious negro
quarters showed him
to have been quite a
large slaveholder. as
I should judge were
all or nearly all the
inhabitants of the
section of through
which we passed..
   Near the station at
this place no citizens
are found.. The station
has been simply a
stopping place. not
boasting even so
much as a grocery
   As we arrived
on the ground a
large blue racer

169
in true secesh style
attempted to dispute
our rights to the ground
and climbing a small
tree. protruding his
forked tongue hissed
out his defiance in
a style that showed
him to be a true
rebel sympathizer
and firm hater of
U..S.. But a few
well directed blows
with a sabre given
by one of Co Es men
soon put an end
to him..
   Saturday morning
drill was excused
on account of the
 mud, but about
ten Oclock orders

			170
came for all com
panies to go to the
landing after hay..
We procured the
hay and returned
to camp about 1
Oclock. P.M.
The paymaster
arrived about the
same time and im
mediately after we
signed the pay rolls
and received our
pay about six Oclock
P.M.. Yesterday
morning we received
orders to prepare
for a review by Gen
Stannard which
would take place
at 12 Oclock but 
which did not


171
take place until
about 3. Oclock P.M.
   We were reviewed
in connection with
the 13th Vermont Inf.
   Almost imme
diately after we returned
to camp we received
marching orders.
   One of Co ‘Cs” men
while foolishly run
ning horses was,
by the stumbling
of his horse thrown
over the horse's head
and the horse rolled
over him. At first
it was thought that
he was not much 
injured but I heard
afterwards that he
was thought to be

			172
mortally injured
   Our Co. is ordered
on a raid to Brent
ville five miles from
here to start at 3
Oclock tomorrow
morning..
	Camp near Bristow
	Thursday April 30
   Per order we started on
Tuesday morning for Brent
ville. but for some reason
we were not routed out till
after 3 o'clock and did not
leave camp until day light..
   We arrived at Brentville
soon after 5 Oclock.. and
went into the village on
a smart run.. but no
rebels were to be seen.
The Col, Lieut Littlefield
and a detachment of


173
the Guard of Honor
preceded us a short
distance.. They went through
with revolvers drawn. but
we had neither sabres or
revolvers. drawn.. Brentvillle
is a clean little village
containing a court house
and jail. what was once
a tavern, a store. and a few
dwelling houses.. The country
before reaching Brentville
was finer than that of the
day before and was much
the finest we have seen in
Virginia.. From Brentville
we followed the main road
across Broad Run.. to
Cole's Store, and from there
eastwardly about 2 miles
then northeast a mile
and then eastwardly

			174
and northeastwardly to
Norman's Store.. passing on the
route Lanes store where we
stopped. and found four
men. Here we took a splen
did double barreled shot gun,
which was found in the 
house. The boys broke into 
the store and took out a
tent fly a splendid matrass
formerly an officers bed. 2 axes
a hatchet and nearly 50 lbs
of flour.. At Norman's our
company was ordered to go
away with to the right to
cross. Brandt's ford and
by this way back to camp.
but mistaking the road
we crossed the creek above
that ford some two
miles at a small stone 
mill.. and then back

175
to Brentville where we found
a Lieut with a detachment
of Co “K.” of the 2nd New York
Cav.. I had forgotten to state
that in passing B_ in the
morning that our Co. was divi
ded and Lieut Briggs took
20 men and with Lieut Byers
who acted as guide took a
different route. They passed
through “B on their return
an hour before we did and on
coming in sight discovered
			              ed
a picket which had been station^
by the NY.C. and who wore
the brown knit blouse com
mon to some regiments mis
took him for a “reb” and
Lieut Briggs taking a few
men charged on him. and
frightened him so that he
could scarcely give a

			176
proper account of himself
so leaving two men to guard
him the rest of them charged
into the village and routed
out the company.. Sergt
O,'Brien with six men on
going out in the morning
were sent to search the a house
to the left of the road from
which they took a shot gun
and powder horn. Coming
back I stopped at a fine
house near the village and
purchased a little butter
and got a good dinner.
paying 175 for 4 lbs Butter
and my dinner and receiving
a silver quarter for change
it being the first one I
had owned in months..
It commenced raining about
ten Oclock and continued

177
until we reached camp
which was about 3 Oclock
  I received a letter from
Isom and Melinda and
also two papers from Nell
on reaching camp..
   Wednesday the 29th we
a patrol was ordered and
our Co.. called upon for 25 
men. whom Capt Walker chose
to raise by volunteering..
As we were going towards
the Mountains I concluded
to go wishing very much
to see all that I could
Co's. B. and G. also formed
a portion of the detachment
which numbered 118 men
and officers all told..
   We started about 10 A M
reached Gainesville 8 miles
wesward of here on

		178
the Manassas Gap railroad
at noon.. here was Mrs
Gaines “dwelling at which
Genl Sigel. had his head
quarters last summer.
    Four miles west of G.
while the Col was a short
distance in advance of the
column. he saw two horse
men suddenly dash away
from a house on the left
of the road.. He sent back
an orderly with orders to
Co A to trot forward and [illegible in original]
coming up with him, he
ordered ten men to ride
forward across the
field and the rest of
the company to ride down
the road and prevent
their passing through
Thoroughfare Gap


179
We dashed across the
field and up to the
house at a smart run
and arriving at the house
met the Guards which
had been first to charge
on them returning hav
ing given up the chase.
  The lady of the house
(Mrs Collins) came out
and protested that they
were citizens and had
fled from fear that we
would take their horses.. 
She said that Genl
Steiner had his head
quarters there last 
summer. and produced
papers of protection from
him.. She also invited
me to take dinner
but I was compelled

			180
to refuse.. We passed the 
Gap enjoying its fine
scenery. and passed on
some 5 miles nearly to
White Plains.. A picturesque
little village is. near
the mouth of the Gap
at being a station on
the R R and contains
the first Station House
I have seen since leaving
Washington.. We learned
that Moseby with 300 
men had passed along
the road beyond the
Mt the day before and
that Gen Stahel had
sharply pursued him
up to where we turned
back, The country is
very fine across the
Mountains


181
We reached camp about
11 Oclock P.M. It
rained a little some
two hours before sunset
   Today it has been
warm with but little
rain.. We mustered for
pay this A.M. and this
P M. Lieuts Briggs and
Nichols. Sergts Holton
Cooke and myself
made out the muster
rolls for March and
April.. but when we
shall receive the pay
on them is not known,

	Warrenton Junction Va
	    Wednesday May 6th /63
   The weather for the past week
has been variable. though
the change is late and will be

			   182
a severe one. and steady. Up to yes
terday morning we enjoyed the
				          d
finest of weather.. but then it change^
and became cool and cloudy and
about 4 Oclock P.M. it commenced to
rain and rained very hard and
quite steady all night.. and is rain
ing now.. We we were put on guard
	            Friday
at Bristow Saturday. and I was sent
with 4 men to Union Mills as a
guard for an ambulance loaded with
Ordnance. while other patrols were
sent in other directions.. Capt with
a few others came out this way
a short distance and took a secesh
who would not take the oath and also
two guns. Several stragglers from
Hookers army came in giving the
first news we had received of the
advance of his army across the river
Three deserters were taken and
brought into camp by Co. G..

183
We were relieved at noon Saturday
by Co “B..” Sunday we had an in
formal inspection of all property. and
in the afternoon Capt Walker with
ten of us started on a little scout for
this place where rumor said there
had been a skirmish that mor
ning.. When we arrived here we
found that Moseby had attacked
the 1st Va Ca. and captured 40
after a short skirmish.  The 5th N.Y.
which is, and was then encamped across
the R.R.. from where we now are
soon formed into line and in turn
charged on Moseby. scattering his men
and recapturing the prisoners he had
taken. The fight lasted about 20 min
and resulted in the loss of one man
Killed a Maj. Cap and Lieut. and 12 
men of the feds wounded and 3 pris
and one Killed and 35 wounded
and taken prisoners of Mosbys


					184
men. The on Killed among the rebs
was the noted texan Known as Mosebys 
spy. who was shot by one of the 5th N Y Cav.
  .Dick Moran was badly wounded
in the throat and all were more or
less badly wounded. Moseby himself
is reported to have but narrowly
escaped with his life and is said
to have been wounded in the shoulder
as he was compelled to drop his sabre
which was captured by one of the
5th N.Y. and said to be his by the
prisoners.. Ten or twelve horses were
Killed mostly rebels horses.. A Lieut
was captured just at dusk that
evening. and was here when we
arrived Monday.. The wounded
of both sides and prisoners were
taken to Fairfax or Washington
Sunday  afternoon.. When we reached
camp Sunday night we found that
orders had been given to move to
this place and that we would
start Monday morning. Accor
dingly Monday morning we left
camp and arrived here about 1 O.C
P M.. We rested until about 4½ 
when we were sent on a scout
a few miles on which some
of our officers saw a body of rebels
of considerable size but who fled
at our approach.

On returning we were all sent
on picket. and remained all till
last night about 11.. Oclock..
   Several shots were fired by the
pickets during the night but
I heard of but one who had seen
anything to fire at [Marcot?] dischar
ged his carbine at two men who
were prowling around the lines
and who had been seen by Walling
who attempted to fire at them but
whose revolver missed fire.
   We got quite wet before we were
releived and after coming to camp
I lay down in my wet pants
to sleep and on waking about one
Oclock found it raining hard
and about an inch of water in my
bed. making me wetter than
ever. I feared that I should 
take a severe cold and thought
more than once of the comfort
able quarters. I would have
been occupying had I been at
home. but I lived through it
all and the only effects I
perceive are an inclination to
sleep and a slight hoarseness.

  A part of the 5th N Y have
moved farther toward the
front this morning and
I shall not be surprised if
we follow them ere long..
	But here I am at the
end of the volume and must now
commence another one. This contains
our adventures of the first two months of our
stay in the active service of Uncle Abe
   We have traversed a good deal of country
and seen almost everything but the enemy
whom however we may see any day.
   This needs correction in many places
but I fear it will be some time ere those
corrections will be made by me..
   The past is gone and all is well but
the future is before us and what it may
bring forth no mortal may know. and
one almost fears to conjecture.. But come
life or death to me right will prevail over
might. and if spared to see that day I
may correct these pages in some more
peaceful place than this.. and firm
in this belief I now close these pages and
beg  that whoever reads them will overlook
the many mistakes in composition and every
thing.
			Edwin R Havens