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September
1
Centerville Hights
Communication between here
and Alexandria is probably cut off. Last eve’g
trains were turned back from Fairfax C.H.
by the enemy’s guns probably placed in
the road to Vienna so as to command
Little River Turnpike running through the
town.
A council of war was held and
Pope determined to fight the enemy. If
we move against the foe posted in our
rear we shall have to fight them on
ground such as they may choose to
select for us. Whereas has we moved
toward the Capital thirty six hours ago
we might have selected our own position.
Many think our cause is
lost; but I am still hopeful. Two of the
large party of Civilians from Washington
to attend to the sick are stopping with
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us. One of them I recognized as Mr. French
former editor of the Biddeford Journal. They
have just gone out with a flag of truce
to the battle-field to see the wounded
and the dead.
Mr. Cornwell of the Register’s office
at the Treasury Department is making
himself generally useful in obtaining stuff
for us from the Sanitary Commission.
The day is most beautiful. Not a
gun fired yet. The enemy are probably
pushing their way unmolested towards
Edward’s Ferry and Williamsport with the
intention of crossing into Maryland.
1¾ ok p.m. Ordered to get under arms.
8 ok p.m. Ordered to move following
Gen. Smith’s division, which is now
in the road.
Generals Kearney [Written in margin: and] Stevens killed this
evening.
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Order of March
1. Col. Jackson 2nd Brig.
2. Artillery.
1. Batt’y D
2. 1st Maryland
3. Porter’s
3. Gen. Newton 3rd Brig.
2,,
Arrived to within one mile of
Fairfax C.H. early this morning, and
took position ordered by Gen. Franklin.
Our march last night was terrific.
Never shall I forget those scenes—the
bivouac fire around which we rested.
___________,,___________
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4 ok p.m. Ordered to return to Alexandria
and report to Gen. McClellan for duty.
Never was an order received with
more gladness or obeyed with more
alacrity. Platt was delighted and
Williston fairly danced.
Began the march at once Artillery
leading off.
What a race we had back
to Alexandria. The Gen. was determined
to break down my horse, but at the same
time [Written in margins: was] forced to acknowledge his superior
mettle. What John Gilpin sides the poor
Sergeant had! And then the little scene
with Gen. about our passes.
No ham for supper this time
as you love me Capt. |
