Alexandria, Va., April 25th, 1864.
One more weary march accomplished. I bore the march extremely well, considering I had been out of practice six months. We made the distance, forty-eight miles, in less than two and one-half days. The day was hot and sultry. The forenoon was consumed in getting the column in line of march. In the afternoon we made twelve miles. We had our winter clothing on hand, and many of the men had drawn or purchased new. All were heavily loaded, as they thought we might stop here a few days. But soldiers act from impulse, and the scenes I tried to describe on our march from Lebanon last spring were re-enacted.
Our brigade was in the rear the second day, and I had an opportunity to see for myself. Before the second day had passed many had thrown away everything, not even keeping a change of shirts. I saw several poor fellows apparently in the agonies of death from sunstroke.
These first marches, after a long rest, are nearly as fatal as a hard-fought battle. In passing through Washington we were reviewed by the President and General Burnside.
This looks like a saving of time. Our ambulances are now filing past and going into camp. Our artillery is ready and awaiting us. Also a supply train. The Ninth Corps will soon be in working order, and, of course, at work. I would not have it otherwise. Where we are to work is not apparent. It matters little to old solders where.
The impending struggle is close upon us. It will, doubtless, be fierce and terrible. Let us hope it will be short and decisive.
