started about ten thousand strong--a
movement in force. The battle of Gettysburg had been fought, the danger
to Harrisburg was past, and, without knowing exactly where we were
bound, it was plain that we were to cooperate with Meade. That day we
made a long march. Our knapsacks were left behind. The first six miles
were well enough. We move on slowly, the sun overclouded, the road good,
and marching, as always is allowed on a long march (save when we pass
through a town), without order or file. The men talk, laugh, and sing,
get water and tobacco from the roadside dwellers, and chaff them with
all sorts of absurd questions. The first six miles are pleasant. At the
foot of the South Mountains we rest. This is Papertown. Papertown, as
far as visible, consists of one house. From the piazza of said house, an
8th makes a speech: I am not near enough to hear, but suppose it funny,
for colonels and all laugh. Some go to eating, some to sleep, some take
the chance, as is wise, to wash their feet at the stream below, the best
preventive of blisters.

In an hour it begins to rain, and we start to go through the Gap, along
which we meet squads of prisoners and deserters from Lee's army. Eleven
miles through that rain. I have never seen such rain before; it is
credited to the cannonading which for days past has been going on all
around. Trudge, trudge; in fifteen minutes soaked through, in half an
hour walking in six inches of water, in two hours walking in six inches
of mud. Then throw away blankets and overcoats--men fall behind done
up--men can go no farther for sore feet.

At Pine Grove, that night, Company I, out of seventy men, musters thirty
at roll call. The different regiments scatter over half a mile of
ground. Every fence about is converted into fuel. The cattle and hogs in
the fields are levied upon--shot, dressed, cooked, and eaten. There is
nothing else to be had, and the wagons cannot follow us for some time
over such roads. So officers shut their eyes. It rains still, but we can
be no wetter than we are, so we lie down and take it. This is our
glorious Fourth!

In the morning--Sunday morning again--there is nothing to eat. In the
town, which comprises half a dozen houses and an old foundery, the
answer is, 'The rebels has eat us all out.' A few secure loaves of
bread, paying as high as a dollar; another few boil what coffee they had
carried with them and contrived to save from the rain. The rest have
nothing. He