in the bend of
the railroad. The various divisions of the army were already in motion
from their winter-quarters, and, as they reached the neighborhood, were
deployed in line of battle above and below.

The high hills sloping toward the river on the enemy's side were manned
with heavy siege-guns, from which shells were thrown at intervals as our
troops came into view. Here we lay for a day or more, with guns
unlimbered, awaiting the tedious disposition of the various divisions.
The bluff on which our guns were posted, commanding, as it did, an
extensive view of the country, attracted many of the officers, who had
preceded their men, and, with field-glasses, scanned the surroundings. I
saw at one time, within a few rods of where we stood, Generals Lee,
Jackson, D. H. and A. P. Hill, Early, Rodes and Colston, besides a score
of brigadiers. At this time the enemy were moving across their pontoon
bridges and extending their skirmish-lines on the right and left.

The only time I met General Jackson to speak to him since he had left
Lexington was when he rode away from this group of officers. As I held
aside the limb of a tree in his way, near our gun, he extended his hand
and, as he gave me a hearty shake, said, "How do you do, Edward?" A
short time after this, our battery had orders to fire a few rounds, as a
sort of "feeler", and the enemy at once replied. The officers, not
having been informed of the order, were for a time exposed to an
unnecessary and what might have proved very serious danger. However,
they withdrew before any damage was done, although a large piece of
shell which flew past our gun gave General Colston a close call as he
tarried near it. After threatening weather, the sun rose clear on the
following morning. A light mist which lay along the river soon
disappeared, and again, as at Harper's Ferry, our elevated position
afforded a superb view. A level plain extended to the river in our front
and for some miles to the right, and as far as Fredericksburg (two
miles) to the left, and beyond the river the Stafford Heights.

While we were standing admiring the scene, three horses without riders
came dashing from within the Federal lines, and swept at full speed
between the two armies. They ran as if on a regular race-track and
conscious of the many spectators who cheered them to their best. Then,
veering in their course from side to side, they finally shot through an
opening made to receive them into our li