Field Hospital, August 23d, 1864.
I left City Point about 5 p. m. of the 21st inst., and arrived here at 8 o’clock. It began to rain before we were out of sight of the hospital, and kept it up until morning. A little soaking, now and then, is more agreeable than otherwise, this hot weather, but not so the mud. Sacred soil is very adhesive.
Yesterday I went to the Point for a load of ice. The roads were so soft we were compelled to walk back. Darkness and a heavy rainstorm met us half way. To add to our enjoyment, we lost our way, and wandered around in mud and darkness until nearly midnight, expecting each moment to be picked up by our pickets. That gratification was denied us, and we were forced to furnish our own lodging. “All is well that ends well.” None of us are any the worse for our misadventure. We are to move our hospital this afternoon eight miles to the left, to near the Weldon Railroad. A great battle has been fought there and victory won. Many prisoners have been taken and many lost. This same railroad was once taken by the Sixth Corps, and afterward abandoned General Grant is very active, “butting,” now here, now there. At every move the Rebels get the worst of it.
