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broad stretch of timber has been “slashed,” to give a good field of fire and break up any body of troops advancing to attack.
It is quite interesting, too, to see a redoubt going up. The men work after the manner of bees, each at the duty assigned.
The mass throw up earth; the engineer soldiers do the “revetting,” that is, the interior facing of logs.
The engineer sergeants run about with tapes and stakes, measuring busily; and the engineer officers look as wise as possible and superintend. . . .
October 6, 1864
Poor Biddle!
I always begin his name with “poor.”
He was detailed to examine the trenches occupied by the 2d Corps, and see that the pickets were properly arranged.
This part of the works is much exposed to fire in many parts, being near the enemy; so that you have to stoop a good deal of the way. What did Biddle do but ride out by a road to the works, on horseback!
In consequence of which the whole skirmish line opened on him, and he returned, after his inspection, quite gasping with excitement.
As he was not hit, it was very funny.
If there is a wrong road, he's sure to take it. Lord Mahon (son of the Earl of Stanhope, who presided at that literary dinner I went to at London) and Captain Hayter, both of the Guards, were down here — Spoons rather, especially the nobil Lord.October 7, 1864
There is a certain General Benham, who commands the engineers at City Point, and was up about laying out some works.
Channing Clapp is on his Staff.
You ought to see this “Ginral.”
He has the face and figure of Mr. Briggs and wears continually the expression of Mr. B. when his horse sat down at the band of music.
When he had got through all the explanations, which were sufficient to have 