[78]
at seven this morning.
The idea is to liberate the prisoners, catch all the rebel M. C.'s that are lying round loose, and make tracks to our nearest lines.
I conceive the chances are pretty hazardous, although the plan was matured with much detail and the start was all that could be asked. . . .
Headquarters Army of Potomac March 5, 1864
I found myself late and galloped four miles in about twenty minutes, only to find I had heated the mare for nothing, insomuch that the venerable Humphreys had put off dinner to six P. M. That young man of fifty has gone in his ambulance to see, I presume, some ladies, and I will here and now wager that we don't dine till eight P. M. Sich is his nature.
Really he should be dismissed the service for conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline.
Au reste, there never was a nicer old gentleman, and so boyish and peppery that I continually want to laugh in his face.
I am in fear he won't be confirmed as major-general.
There are some persons, the very dregs of politicians, whom he tried by court-martial, when under him, that now do all they can against his promotion.
I find that politicians, like Sumner and company, have a way of saying of officers who have had their very clothes shot off their back and have everywhere displayed the utmost skill and courage, that “their hearts are not in the cause,” or “they are not fully with us” ; meaning that these officers do not happen to fully agree with every political dogma the party may choose to enunciate.
I am of the opinion that the question is: Does such and such an officer fight bravely and with skill?
Anyone who has been under fire will be ready to acknowledge that it is a pretty good place to test principles; and 