Tuesday, 23rd. Up, dressed and work done and off at sunrise. Our course lay mostly through the woods till within nine miles of Springfield. Stopped at a splendid spring and lunched before striking the prairie. Capt. looked for cover and finally we camped there. Found plenty of peaches and hazelnuts. Archie, Chamberlain and I went with the Capt. in to Springfield. The 8 mile prairie looked more like civilization, good farms and farm houses. The highway to town reminded me of the road to Elyria. Enjoyed all well. All sociable. Passed the road from the north where Fremont’s bodyguard charged down the lane. It was indeed interesting to be upon and see the ground where the brave fellows charged so nobly. Entered the village, passing encampments and entrenchments upon elevations on both sides of the road. Springfield a gay little place. Hotel full, stopped at a boarding house. Several officers there, music by them and one of their wives. Excellent. Humorous major.
