1862 June 25 before Richmond, Va.

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

June 25  Got orders this morning to march with two
             days rations.  We started at 8 oclock.  the first
             Brigade only constituting the expedition.
             It was a very hot day and we took the direc-
             tion of Hanover Court House.  None of us knew
             the object of the move, but it was rumored that
             it was for the purpose of capturing a band
             of guerillas that were prowling in that neighbor-
             hood.  About 2 P.M. we halted for a long time
             on the edge of one of the most beautiful pine
             forests I had ever seen.  It seemed to have
             been undisturbed for years by the axe or the
             foot of man--a perfect level, clear of under-
             growth except a few young pines, symet-
             rical and beautiful.  the surface of the ground
             covered to the depth of several inches with
             pine leaves which having decayed, formed a
             carpet soft & noiseless to the tread & clean
             as a parlor.
                 We halted here until nearly 5 oclock when
             we again started on the march. After a few
             miles further had been made, it being dark
             we bivouacked in a most beautiful spot,
             We thought there was something up, as no bugle
             calls nor other noise was permitted.  Well for
             us that we kept a profound quiet, as we
             learned afterward that the whole of "Stonewall"
             Jacksons army was within a couple of miles of us.
             Indeed it was reported in Camp that we had
             been cut off & probably Captured.  We slept well
             however in spite of our suspicions that all was
             not right. 


MSS 9044