ic village was now in our possession. Being
informed that the proprietor of the Warrenton House was a conspicuous
Rebel, Captain Hasty decided to try his hospitality and sound his
commissary department. Accordingly he accosted the chivalrous gentleman,
and ordered a dinner for the entire squadron. When all had partaken
freely of the good things provided, our Rebel landlord showed signs of
uneasiness in his desire to ascertain who would foot the bill. After a
while the Captain politely directed him to charge it to Uncle Sam. This
ended all controversy on the subject. We left Warrenton in accordance
with instructions, at four o'clock, and, well satisfied with our
excursion, rejoined the regiment during the following night.

_April 18._--The enemy "opened the ball" this morning by shelling the
cavalry pickets in the woods near Rappahannock Station. Under this fire
we advanced some distance toward the river, and then retired slowly with
a view of drawing the Rebels across to our side. But they were too wily
to be caught in such a trap, and our attempt failed. A stream is a great
barrier, between two contending forces, and no careful leader will place
his men with a stream behind them, unless he is quite certain of
victory. We had a sad lesson of this in the battle of Ball's Bluff.

On the day following this useless cannonade, each regiment of the corps
had dress-parade at six o'clock P. M. Orders from General Stoneman were
read by the adjutants of their respective regiments, informing them that
the entire cavalry force would move at an early hour next day. A portion
of the evening was spent in preparation. However, when in the bivouac,
as we have been for some time, it takes but a few moments to prepare for
a move. All surplus baggage, which naturally accumulates during
winter-quarters, has been disposed of, either by sending it home, or to
some quartermaster depot, established for the purpose, as at Alexandria,
or by destruction; and each man carries only what little articles he can
stow away in his saddle-bags and roll up in his blanket. His inventory
might run as follows: A shirt, a pair of socks (and often he has only
those he wears), a housewife or needle-book, paper and envelopes, a tin
cup, and bag which contains his coffee and sugar mixed together. Some
men carry a towel and soap. The great effort is to learn to get along
with the very least possible.

At first the soldier thinks he must have this article of luxury