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day have I been on the Weldon railroad with General Meade, and I must slap to bed, for I am most sleepy, though all right.
September 30, 1864
If the General will ride out at 8.30 A. M., and get back at 10.30 P. M., and fight a good part of the day, how am I to feel wakeful and lively to write to you?
I am very well and getting stronger; was in part of the battle beyond the rail-road; but only had a few bullets and one solitary cannon-ball in my neighborhood.
This going from Beverly to battle is quite a sharp contrast.
Our advantage was signal and important if we have good luck in holding on, which I think we shall.
There may be fighting to-morrow, but I incline to think not.October 2, 1864
. . . The Washington boat was much in the style of the other — rather worse and more crowded, people and freight similar.
There were more Christian Commissioners, who were joined by those who had come with me. The funniest people you ever saw!
Their great and overshadowing anxiety was dinner; that was the thing.
Accordingly they had deputed the youngest — a divinity student, and supposed to be a terribly sharp fellow — to lie in wait at sundry times and secure tickets for the meal.
“I have arranged it all with the steward; we shall sit together,” said this foxy one.
Long before the hour, they all went down and stood against the door, like the queue at a French theatre.
One of them came up, a little after, wiping his mouth; and asked me with surprising suddenness, if I “was on the side of the Lord.”
They were mostly Methodists, and of course very pious.
One of the soldiers on the lower deck, suddenly cried out: “Oh, H----!”
upon 