John D. Billings, The history of the Tenth Massachusetts battery of light artillery in the war of the rebellion

[72] after, men from Edwards Ferry reported the Army of the Potomac as crossing there. An army telegraph was being stretched past our camp, said to connect with Gen. Hooker's headquarters and we now felt safe from attack, but seemed likely to be swept into the current and borne on to the great battle which all felt must soon be fought. The scattered companies of the infantry regiments that had been out at various points on picket were called in, and our brigade received orders to be ready to march. All our tents and superfluous camp equipage were turned over to the quartermaster to be sent to the rear, our personal baggage reduced to the smallest possible limit, then stowed in our knapsacks, now not quite as distended as when we left Massachusetts. These were then strapped upon the pieces and caissons, and having at last received marching orders, at 6 o'clock in the afternoon of June 24, 1863, we bade adieu, most of us forever, to our old camp and the village of Poolsville.

As we turn in retrospect upon our sojourn here, removed from the occurrence by a lapse of so many years, there are thoughts which present themselves perhaps not unworthy of noting down in passing. And first, with regard to our bodily comfort. Those of us who were fortunate enough to keep off the sick-list underwent no privations worthy of mention save absence from our families, which was of course inseparable from the nature of the case; and those who were seriously sick were at once removed to Washington, where good nursing and medical attendance were always to be had. Dr. Child, of the Tenth Vermont, was the brigade surgeon, and, so far as we know, was competent — in his calling. Our living was, in the main, good enough. It was not what we were accustomed to at home, and very