Friday, February 28. — Our orders to be ready to march were countermanded to-day. Nothing new.
War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld
Thursday, February 27. — We were waiting in anxious expectation all day for our orders to march, but no such orders came. We heard that Banks had crossed the Potomac below Harper’s Ferry, and I found that if we marched, we were to go to Washington, from there up the river as far as possible by rail, and then march to Winchester. Our sick were all taken to Washington. John Ropes[1] was out here to see me, and brought me a small package of medicine from Uncle Doctor.[2] I was glad to see him, and went with him to the 83d Pennsylvania, 22d Massachusetts, and 18th Massachusetts.
Wednesday, February 26. — Morning and most of the afternoon pleasant, but just as I came in from brigade drill under General Martindale, it began to rain. Found the general at home, and busy writing orders for our starting. If it does not rain too much we shall start tomorrow, I think. I am getting my things ready. Received some of my photographs from Washington to-day. They are the best I ever had taken.
Tuesday, February 25. —Wind moderated, and day pleasant. Went up to General Morell’s to see a flag-presentation, but got tired waiting and so rode home with Tom Sherwin. Got our new cook to-day.
Monday, February 24. — We had a very strong wind to-day, at times amounting to a hurricane, blowing over trees and tents promiscuously. My tent luckily did not blow over. My horse narrowly escaped being crushed to death in his stall by the falling of the stable. Almost all the tents in the regiments around here were blown down. General Porter went away.
Sunday, February 23. — Day cloudy and misty as usual. This morning I found that my horse had the scratches. I am sorry for it, as I shall not be able to use him for some days. Captain Allen and Lieutenant Phillips 1 were here this evening to visit me. I bet a box of cigars with Martindale that we should not leave here within a week from to-day.
Saturday, February 22. — Washington’s Birthday was appropriately celebrated by firing salutes, and by the parade of the different regiments, and the reading of Washington’s Farewell Address before them. The day was not favorable for any extensive preparations, it being rainy most of the time. I walked out into the woods about half a mile from the camps, and practised with my pistol, making some pretty fair shots considering the little practice I have had. I am reviewing Hardee and last night got as far as “School of the Battalion.” I find, however, that reading The Cloister and the Hearth is much more entertaining.
Friday, February 21. — Nothing new to-day. Pleasant weather. My tent is much improved by having the saddle put in the outer tent, and my table put in the corner. It gives me twice as much room as before.
Thursday, February 20. — I went to Washington to-day in an ambulance, with Sam and Michael and one of the telegraph operators. We went on the corduroy road, and such riding I never felt in my life before, the wagon creaking and shaking in every joint, and I myself feeling as if I were doing the same. Up two or three feet in the air at one moment, and down again the next. Driving in the mud compared with it is like the difference between riding in a carriage and in a tip-cart. I went in to get some things for Captain Norton,[1] and to have my photograph taken. I think I have a very good proof, but shall not get it till Monday. The day was chilly, and a blanket thrown over my knees was a welcome protection. When I came out here I found that General McClellan and staff had been here, and in fact were here, for I reached camp just in time to see them mount and ride off. I am sorry I was not here, as I should have liked to be introduced to McClellan. I had a small tent placed before mine as an entrance. Quite an improvement.
Wednesday, February 19. — A stormy day. In the evening we went to a supper given by General Martindale’s staff. It was really a very fine supper, especially for a camp one. They had a handsome bill of fare, with gilt, etc., and quite a handsome-looking table. The chandelier for the occasion was made of bayonets fastened on to a wooden circle, and in the end of the bayonet where it fastens onto the gun, were placed the candles. There were two of these circles, one above the other, producing a gay-and-festive-looking object. The festivities were kept up until twelve. Speeches and toasts were given and responded to with much enthusiasm, and songs, etc., made the evening pass quite pleasantly.
