April 21st, 1864.
We received orders today to be ready to march at a minute’s notice, with five days’ cooked rations. I was prepared for an early move, but did not expect it quite so soon. I know not where we are going; care not, only as it takes me farther from my loved ones and renders communication more difficult. When we go is equally uncertain. We will not take the field immediately, unless the most urgent necessity requires it. Our A tents are to be sent in advance, which means we encamp at some other point. There is yet much to be done to render the corps effective. The work of reorganizing has hardly begun. Brigades and divisions are not formed. We have no supply train—no artillery—no ambulance. Few recruits have arrived, and those that have are neither armed or drilled. We have had no general inspection or grand review. No, there is not to be a general movement of the whole corps at present. As I read the signs, this is only a change of rendezvous.
The Eighth Michigan have struck tents and sent them to the depot. The second move tomorrow at 4 a. m.
