1862 July 12 Harrison's Landing, Va.

  [from the war journal of George Hazen Dana of the 32nd Massachusetts as compiled by him at a later date from diaries and letter]

     Harrison’s Landing
                                                      July 12th 1862 –
Since writing the last, I have been flat on my back, sick,
as have the whole regiment, with but few exceptions –
cause. – water, and necessity of being acclimated –
I am pretty well today, and getting stronger every hour.
Today an order was read from Gen. McClellan ad-
vising  officers to send home all surplus baggage, while
they had the opportunity, otherwise they would lose it.
This probably means – “on to Richmond –“ at least I
hope so, for I want excitement, and all our men are
eager for a brush.          Those, however, of the other regiments,
who saw and participated in the last awful slaughter,
do not wish to see any more fighting, but are ready
and determined.          What I wish to see is an
order from Gen. McClellan to this effect –
     “Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac –
You are here by ordered to discard everything except
your swords, muskets, revolvers, one shirt and a pair
of spurs, as there are plenty of clothing stores in
Richmond –“
                          Geo. B. McClellan –
                                 Maj. Genl. Commanding
                                       Army of the Potomac –
That would be my style were I in command –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5130