1862 May 26 Camp Lovell on the Chickahominy

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

May 26  This morning early we reached "Camp Lovell"
on the Chickahominy  This place was destined
to be the theatre of important events.  We were
here not far from the enemy and all noise
was forbidden.  No drums to be beaten. No
bugles to be blown.  Twenty rounds more of
cartridges were issued to each man, making
sixty in all.  War orders were issued and
everything indicated the immediate ap-
proach of active warfare. There seemed
no appearance of fear, but all were calm &
went about the discharge of their duties as
though it wee a camp of instruction.

MSS 9044