[84]
General Meade says he is a very amiable man, though his eye is stern and almost fierce-looking.
Well, we encountered him, as aforesaid, followed by three or four aides; one of whom, Lieutenant-Colonel Rowley, was oblivious of straps, and presented an expanse of rather ill-blacked, calfskin boots, that took away from his military ensemble a good deal.
When a man can ride without straps, he may do so, if he chooses; but, when he possesseth not the happy faculty of keeping down his trousers, he should make straps a part of his religion!
We took our station on a swell of ground, when we could see a large part of the Corps in line; but there was so much of it, that, though drawn up by battalions (that is, ten men deep), there could be found, in the neighborhood, no ground sufficiently extensive, without hollows.
At once they began to march past — there seemed no end of them.
In each direction there was nothing but a wide, moving hedge of bright muskets; a very fine sight. . . . General Grant is much pleased and says there is nothing of the sort out West, in the way of discipline and organization. . . .
May 3
At last the order of march, for to-morrow at 5 A. M.! Of it more when it is over — if I am here to write.
Only spring waggons go for our little mess kits and baggage; other things go with the main train.
May God bless the undertaking at last and give an end to this war!
I have made all preparations for the campaign.