[137] organizing. He accepted the place, and, in spite of lameness and much suffering, was able to show himself in camp at Readville, through the winter of 1863-64, the thorough soldier he was. His original intention had been to accept an appointment on the staff of Brigadier-General Gordon, but the presence of several warm college friends in the Fifty-sixth induced him to remain with this regiment. New duties in no way weakened his pride in the Second and his love of his comrades of 1862. In January, 1864, that regiment returned on veteran furlough, and he ‘had the great and glorious satisfaction, together with Abbott, Shelton, and Gelray, also cripples, and formerly officers of the Second, of riding along with the Second.’ ‘It was the proudest day of my life,’ he adds. In March, 1864, the Fifty-sixth Massachusetts joined the Ninth Corps at Annapolis. On the 20th of April, Brigadier-General T. G. Stevenson took command of the First Division, and detailed Mills as his Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. His excellent qualities as regimental Adjutant, his method and accuracy in books and accounts, together with his strict enforcement of discipline, rendered him eminently fit for the place. While still a First Lieutenant, he was retained in this capacity by three successive generals. The duties were arduous, but were rendered pleasant by the friendship and commendation of the admirable soldier who commanded the division. On the 23d of April the Ninth Corps set out for the front; and, in spite of unusual labor, Mills was able to write, ‘Well, my mind is relieved, I can stand the marches.’ On the march to the Rappahannock the tired indifference of the young infantry officer disappears.
The march from Washington here, over ground every foot of which is now classic, and with a good deal of which I have my own associations, was very interesting. I find that the facts that the grass is green instead of burnt up by August suns, and that I ride instead of walking, give me quite a different idea of Virginia, which I have begun to think is quite a nice place, after all. May 3.—The whole army is to move to-morrow, A. M. We
