1861 August 26

[from the diary of Eugene M. Cox]

Slept well last night--at roll call the full strength of our company was only 19--thus the Corp has from time to time gone on the sick list until it has dwindled down to a mere squad--and many of those on the duty list unable to stand a long march and carry knap-sacs--At 8 A.M. the regiment formed promptly and stood in readiness to march--the wagons moved on before--they had not gotten out of camp bounds when they were ordered to turn back and our orders were countermanded and were dismissed and allowed to pick tents and shelters--It is pretty well understood that we were to have moved in the direction of Summerville, but from some news from Genl. Floyd this change is made--8 o'clock P.M. To the great satisfaction of us all we have this evening gotten 8 nice tents from the department--we can now do much better--have them all pitched and are comfortably fixed--We have prepared our "pay roll" to-day and hope to be paid off in a short time--91/2 P.M. Taps--lights out and to sleep.

Eugene Montraville Cox, 1833-1885, Albemarle Border Guards later Private, Co. D., 46th Virginia Infantry

MSS 38-221