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March
15, 1862
Camp Franklin, Va.Here we are back again
though I am personally occupying
a somewhat different position and
living in a far different establishment.
Today I received a special and
written notification of my appointment
as aide-de-camp on Genl. Slocum’s
staff.
Night before last [Carrot: 13th. inst.)] about half
an hour after turning in, I was
aroused from sleep by some one
calling aloud for Lieut Shannon.
I made answer. The reply was
“You are ordered to report yourself
at head quarters immediately.”
Ten minutes afterwards I was
in presence of the General.
He questioned me a little,
asked if I was present in the
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battle of Bull Run—what my rank
was then—if I understood the drill,
and what was the quality of my
hand writing.
Finally he dismissed me
saying that he would send an
orderly for me in the morning.
Yesterday forenoon I was sent
for accordingly and immediately
began my labors in the office
of General Slocum, as acting
Aide-de-camp.
Last evening we received
orders to march to Paget’s Tavern
about half way back to camp,
but when the column reached
that place the General ordered
the cols. of the different regiments
to act at their discretion about
returning to [Carrot: the old] camp or bivouac.
He and his staff quartered at
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the residence of O’Brien a famous
secessionist. And this morning
after taking breakfast we
galloped into camp amid a
drenching rain.
Here we shall probably
remain until next Monday when
without doubt we shall march
to Alexandria and be taken down
the river in transports. There is
to be movement toward Richmond
by water. The Merrimac must
be looked after then.
Orders have been issued to
the several regiments composing
our brigade of my appointment as
aide-de-camp. It seems to have
pleased all my friends here and
I trust it will please my
friends at home.
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I have got to make a great
many purchases:- A full staff
suit of clothes, Staff sword [?],
overcoat, boots, cap and rubbers,
gauntlets, horse, saddle and
trappings. These, too, must be
of the finest quality. My pay
will be about one hundred
and forty dollars a month, but
as my brother aide-de-camp said
today “the expenses will about eat
up the salary.” I think so the
more I consider it. |
