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[56]
ranks, for all were weary of the long months of quiet, during which they had loitered behind the intrenchments on the Potomac.
As the shades of night settled down over the bustling camp, a scene more beautiful than imagination can conceive was presented to the eye. In that genial clime, the air was deliciously pure and balmy; there was no wind and scarcely a leaf moved.
The new moon shone serenely in a cloudless sky, without sufficient power to eclipse the myriad of stars which crowded the firmament.
The exultant soldiers threw rails and logs upon their camp fires and the crackling flames so brilliantly illumined the scene that, as with the light of day, all the movements of the camp were revealed.
Never did a picnic festival present a more joyous aspect.
The groups of soldiers were in all picturesque attitudes.
Some were writing home, others were frolicking and dancing, with shouts which rang through the groves.
Some were burnishing their arms, mending their clothing, or cooking food for the hungry hours which they knew would soon come; while others were soundly sleeping with the green turf alone for mattress and pillow.
The white tents scattered around added not a little to the beauty of the spectacle.
Enlivening music from many bands rose over all and floated through the night air in soul-stirring strains.
But at length the moon went down.
The camp fires burned more and more dimly until they expired, and the silence of night enveloped the sleeping camp.
At three o'clock in the morning, at the sound of the reveille, every soldier sprang up. The camp fires were instantly replenished and almost in a moment the gloom of the undawned morning was dispelled by the flashings of a thousand flames.
The hot coffee was soon made, the morning meal hastily eaten, and at half past 5 the brigades were formed in line of march.
Each soldier carried his piece of shelter tent.
Six wagons only were allowed each regiment for officers' tents, baggage and the hospital and commissary stores.
As the column took up its line of march, the cavalry and sharpshooters were sent in advance, to reconnoitre and to remove
Salem Press. Co., Salem, Ma., 1906.
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