on hand so was Merrick. Before crossing the Potomac he
disappeared from the command a perfect-looking vagabond, and now as we
were reveling in this bountiful country there rolled into our midst a
handsome equipage drawn by two stylish horses. When the door was opened
out stepped Merrick, handsomely dressed in citizen's clothes, and handed
out two distinguished-looking gentlemen, to whom he introduced us. Then,
in the language of Dick Swiveler, "he passed around the rosy"; and all
taking a pull, our enthusiasm for Merrick mounted high.

Our march under Ewell had been admirably conducted. We were always on
the road at an early hour, and, without hurry or the usual halts caused
by troops crowding on one another, we made good distances each day and
were in camp by sunset. I never before or afterward saw the men so
buoyant. There was no demonstration, but a quiet undercurrent of
confidence that they were there to conquer. The horses, too, invigorated
by abundant food, carried higher heads and pulled with firmer tread.

Our march from Greencastle was through Chambersburg and Shippensburg,
and when within eight or ten miles of Carlisle we passed through one or
two hundred Pennsylvania militia in new Federal uniforms, who had just
been captured and paroled. Before reaching Carlisle we very unexpectedly
(to us) countermarched, and found the militiamen at the same place, but
almost all of them barefooted, their shoes and stockings having been
appropriated by needy rebels. As we first saw them they were greatly
crestfallen, but after losing their footgear all spirit seemed to have
gone out of them. They lingered, it may be, in anticipation of the
greetings when met by wives and little ones at home, after having
sallied forth so valiantly in their defense. How embarrassing bare feet
would be instead of the expected trophies of war! Imagine a young
fellow, too, meeting his sweetheart! That they kept each other company
to the last moment, managed to reach home after night, and ate between
meals for some days, we may be sure.

Before reaching Chambersburg we took a road to the left, in the
direction of Gettysburg. To give an idea of the change in our diet since
leaving Dixie, I give the bill-of-fare of a breakfast my mess enjoyed
while on this road: Real coffee and sugar, light bread, biscuits with
lard in them, butter, apple-butter, a fine dish of fried chicken, and a
quarter of roast lamb!

On the morning of July 1 we passed thro