[71]
and see the fight, though it was growing dark and the air was very foggy.
Our artillery opened on them also, and, in course of an hour or so, night set in, and the firing ceased, our line holding its own everywhere.
And now the poor wounded fellows began to come in, some alone, some supported, and some in ambulances.
The surgeons were numerous and all that could be wished for. Except one or two mortally hurt, there was nothing sad in it, so manly were the men and so cheerful.
Not a groan, not a complaint.
I asked one man who was staggering along, if he were much hurt.
“Very slightly,” he remarked, in a lively tone.
I found what he called “very slightly” was a musket-ball directly through the thigh.
These men are wonderful, much more so, I think (proportionately), than the officers.
There was a whole division wet to the waist, on a rainy February day, exposed each instant to attack, and yet making little pots of coffee, in the open air, as calmly as if at Revere House.
Oh! what a ride had we home!
It took us over three hours, with the help of a lantern. . . .
Headquarters Army of Potomac February 12, 1864
In this epistle I shall describe to you the whirl of fashion, the galaxy of female beauty, the grouping of manly grace.
Behold, I have plunged into the wild dissipation of a military dinner-party.
The day before yesterday, there appeared a mysterious orderly, with a missive from Colonel Hayes (my classmate) saying that he should next day entertain a select circle at dinner at five of the clock, and wouldn't I come and stay over night.
To which I returned answer that I should give myself that pleasure.
The gallant Colonel, who commands the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 5th 