FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1861. A wet misty day and very chilly. Went down to Genl McClellans Head Qrs for Lieut Gaul in reference to his furlough. Went from there to the Post office and then home. Holms & [Vanamburgh?], privates of the 27th, called with letters from Lieut Swan. Elder Buck called with the furlough [...]

Friday, 15th–We received orders to leave for the South and everybody is happy in the thought that we are going to leave. A great many got passes to go down town to purchase supplies, such as letter paper, stamps and the like. We had our last drill on the old camp ground yesterday and got [...]

NOVEMBER 15th.—We have intelligence that Missouri has joined the Confederacy. She will be scourged by the vengeful enemy; but will rise some day and put her foot on the neck of the oppressor. Missouri is a giant.

15th.—This was fast-day—a national fast proclaimed by our President. I trust that every church in the Confederacy was well filled with heart-worshippers. The Rev. Mr. Jones preached for us at Millwood. This whole household was there—indeed, the whole neighbourhood turned out. We have been anxiously awaiting the result of an anticipated fight between Price and [...]

The battle of Ball’s Bluff near Poolesville had taken place while we were on “leave of absence” at home, and on our return to Washington, Major Potter, U. S. paymaster, and his wife, starting on an expedition to pay the troops up the Potomac, invited Chaplain Hopkins and ourselves to join the party, which we [...]

November 15th.–Horse-dealers are the same all the world over. To-day comes one with a beast for which he asked £50. “There was a Government agent looking after this horse for one of them French princes, I believe, just as I was talking to the Kentuck chap that had him. ‘John,’ says he, ‘that’s the best-looking [...]