August 18th. [probably really the 15th] I have omitted any notations since the eighth, for the reason that our wagons have been packed, and everything held in readiness to march at a moment’s notice, for the past week. Of course, we expected to move, and in the interim there was nothing going on. No drills, parades, or reviews, and consequently nothing to record. The camp is filled with rumors of Lee’s disappearance, and there is much anxiety at headquarters as to his intentions. We gather little of importance about the situation from our own resources and trust almost entirely to the New York Herald for news, even of our own movements. While we know nothing positive, the general belief is entertained that the rebel army has undertaken some kind of enterprise which is worrying the commander of the Army of the Potomac a good deal. The situation ought to have been reversed, the Army of the Potomac keeping the rebel army on the anxious seat, but our general is decidedly slow, and I suppose General Lee has concluded we are afraid to undertake another aggressive campaign. The weather has been hot continuously, and the sick list greatly increased.
Early this morning, the Fifty-seventh was detailed for picket duty, the first we have done in this camp. We left our tents standing, but empty, all our traps having been packed for the last week, crossed outside the entrenchments, and down the Charles City road until we reached the picket line, posted on fine open ground, having a commanding prospect. Our regiment relieved the troops found on duty, and established itself comfortably in the open country. On our way out, we observed many of the camps deserted, and long trains of wagons moving down the peninsula, indicating a general movement of some kind. As soon as the pickets were posted, Lieutenant-Colonel Parisen and I rode over to the cavalry videttes and enjoyed a splendid gallop in the open. The officer commanding the videttes told us from what he could learn the rebel army had gone, and that there was only a small cavalry force in front. About noon, our regimental wagons joined us and reported the camp struck, and the whole army in motion towards the north. They report a rumor at the landing that the rebel army has gone for Washington, and that the people there are scared out of their wits. It seems improbable, but General Lee is a brilliant commander, and must by this time be a little tired of waiting for us to move, and may try to take advantage of our sluggishness by making a sudden and unexpected attack on the capital. If it proves true, what a reflection it will be on the “Little Napoleon.”
