fighting
in which they had expected to participate, was terribly irksome.

It was a most welcome order which transferred them to Virginia, and to
the shady and delightful camping-ground which I have described in a
former article (Introductory). An order to join the forces about to
engage in the battle of Manassas was countermanded on account of a
movement of the enemy which resulted in the "affair" at "Bethel
Church." They remained upon the Peninsula under General McGruder, who
was successfully holding McClellan in check by appearing at every
point assailed by the Federals.

"The forces under General _McGruder_ were the only obstacle in
McClellan's road to Richmond.

"Under these circumstances, McGruder, with superb rashness, threw out
his whole force as skirmishers, along a line of nine or ten miles.

"The Dreux Battalion bore a conspicuous part in all the operations of
this campaign." Later, the battalion went into winter quarters.

Because I wish to contrast the condition of these men during the first
part of their service and when, later, they encountered inconceivable
hardships and deprivations, I will here give entire a letter from one
of the battalion, kindly placed at my disposal, describing the
"house-warming" which was given when they moved into winter quarters
on the Peninsula:

"CAMP RIGHTOR, November 29, 1861.

"I received yours of the 14th a few days since, and the 20th
yesterday, both of which I will answer in one. The half-barrel of
sugar was received long since, as you will see by looking over my
letter to you about three weeks ago. The sugar came through in good
order, also the white sugar, medicine, and coffee; the latter we
use sparingly, mixing it with wheat,--one-third coffee and
two-thirds wheat. The wheat does not seem to change the flavor in
the least. Sweet potatoes are also used in camp in place of
coffee,--you dry it, then parch and grind it; we have not tried
that method yet on account of the scarcity of potatoes. All our
cabins are finished at last; the tents are used no more to sleep
in. Our house-warming has taken place. We made about ten gallons of
egg-nog for the occasion; we used about six dozen eggs. Walton's
mess was over, and a good many from the rifles; various members
from both companies of the guards. Also the major, doctor,
adjutant, and Lieutenant Dunn, Grivot Guards. They say it was the
best nog they ever drank; the house was crowde