1862 May 11 Between Yorktown and Richmond

 [from the diary of Jonathan Hager of the 14th U.S. Regulars, as copied at a later date]

May 11
Slept well after taking a
good bath & arose in the morning of a bright &
balmy day feeling wonderfully well.  As we were
not to march until 1 oclock in the afternoon, the
morning was devoted to lounging, which officers
& men indulged in most heartily. the only inci-
dent to vary the comfortable monotony was the
appearance in camp of a few contrabands
with corn dodgers & stewed turkey to sell.  I
was all bought up quickly at fabulous prices.
Any little addition to our mess chests in the
way of edibles is always counted so much
gain no matter what it costs.
We left this camp at 1 P.M. Had a most de-
lightful march, over good roads.  Weather not too
warm, but seeming very little like the holy
Sabbath it was.  We marched about four
miles & encamped in a cornfield near [?]
Church.  the tents of the officers of the 14th were
locate din the woods which bordered the field--
a pleasant spot--having a dense shade,
with a free circulation of air.  We remained
in this camp all of the next day.

MSS 9044