May 28, 1862

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Shannon-v1-p139

 

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 Page 139:
May
28
[bracket] At 3 o’clock this morning
I was aroused out of a very deep
sleep by Capt. Rodgers [carrot: A.A.G.] saying that
the General was going to Mechanicsville
and that his aides-de-camp were
to accompany him. However we did
not get off till nearly day break,
reaching Mechanicsville about six o’clock.
After taking some breakfast
at Col. Howland’s head quarters we
rode out to examine the positions.
Our batteries posted so as to command
the Turnpike were visited first and
then the picquets. I went out and
brought in the officer commanding the
cavalry videttes.
About ten o’clock the General
sent me with a scout to examine
Meadow bridge and post a vidette
to carefully watch it. I did so
returning just before dinner.

 

Page 140:

 

May.
After dinner we were very quietly
chatting among ourselves when the
Major commanding Cavalry and his
Adjutant came galloping up and
exclaiming that the enemy had ap-
peared and were about to cross
the bridge in force. This of course
startled us all. But it proved to
be only a stampede of the worst
sort in which I played a very
prominent part. [bracket]

 

28,,

 

Today General Slocum went out
in company with a force of cavalry
and examined Meadow bridge.
This evening it is to be burnt.
Today we have had poetry and
I have struck a vein with Wilson,
who is a good fellow.