nt. We arrived at the ferry by one o'clock P. M., and took up our
quarters in a deserted nigger-shanty. Splendid view of the Potomac and
Blue Ridge Mountains. At night, the camp-fires of the rebels were
visible.

_Tuesday, December 31._--On picket, at Conrad's Ferry. The rebel camp
plainly to be seen. Infantry and cavalry drilling outside the forts.

END OF THE YEAR 1861.

1862.

_Our Campaigns in the year 1862: The campaign to Winchester, under General
Banks. The great Peninsular campaign, under General McClellan. The
campaign in Maryland under the same; and Burnside's campaign on the
Rappahannock, ending with the battle of Fredericksburg._

_Wednesday, January 1._--Battery in camp near Poolesville; we, the centre
section, on picket at Conrad's Ferry. Our picket duty, at this place, has
been a very pleasant one, being very light, except the guard duty. Firing
of videttes was very frequent during the night. But never did either party
disturb the other with artillery practice during our stay. Sometimes
signal rockets were sent up on the Maryland side, by rebel sympathizers,
which were generally answered from the Virginia shore. General Stone had
strong block-houses, of solid oak-timber, built on the line from Muddy
Branch to Conrad's Ferry, for the defence of the Maryland side, large
enough to hold three hundred men each. May it be remembered, pigs had to
suffer in our neighborhood. The weather, having been pleasant for weeks,
became very wintry after the first of January.

_Sunday, January 5._--Battery G, Captain Owen, Rhode Island, (four
twenty-pound Parrott guns and two howitzers,) arrived at Poolesville.

_Tuesday, January 7._--Great liveliness in the rebel forts,--bands playing
and soldiers strengthening the fortifications.

_Thursday, January 9._--Severe cold since yesterday. The Potomac froze
to-day. A steam tug coming up the river, was a rare sight to both sides.

_Friday, January 10._--An officer of the First Minnesota Regiment appeared
at our quarters, communicating that rebel pickets occupied Harrison's
Island.

_Saturday, January 11._--Nothing stirring.

_Sunday, January 12._--Considerable picket firing. Nothing important up to

_Monday, January 20._--The centre section was relieved from picket at
Conrad's Ferry, by the left section, under Lieut. Newton. The guns of the
former remained there to be taken by the left section.

_Wednesday, January 22._--Received two months pay. News arrived