Near Culpepper, Va., August 19, 1862.
Yesterday afternoon came orders to our corps, directing
wagons to be instantly packed and sent to the rear, and our men to be provided
with three days' rations, and to be ready to march at a minute's notice. We
were bereft of our tent and all other luxuries, but no movement commenced until
about half-past eleven P. M., when we started and marched about a mile, then
halted and are still halting, for what purpose Pope only knows. Last night, for
the weather was fearfully cold, we kept as close around the fires as we would
in winter. I have just had some bread and butter and peaches for breakfast, and
am now enjoying a good cigar, so I shall be fortified against whatever may turn
up to-day. From what I can learn, this is the nature of our movement: Pope has
found that his army is not quite large enough to take Richmond, and is going to
let the enemy once see his “back,” and find out that a "line of
retreat" may be very useful by falling back as far as Warrenton and
concentrating with McClellan.
Orders to “fall in” and “march.”
SOURCE: Charles Fessenden Morse, Letters Written
During the Civil War, 1861-1865, p. 81-2
No comments:
Post a Comment