January 20, 1862.
The papers north are all anxiety to have McClellan march upon the enemy, and so we shall probably have to turn out of this pleasant camp before long. Already preparations for campaigning are being made, by clearing out a lot of superfluous stuff that the men have loaded themselves down with; it is wonderful what a lot of accumulations soon gather in a camp, and how difficult it is to get rid of it. In order to be ready for moving, I bought a horse the other day from Bell’s friend, Lieutenant Bailey, quartermaster Lincoln Cavalry; a dapple gray, fifteen hands, six years old, very handsome, and a good goer. I tried him at their camp, and fell in love with him at once; Bailey mounted him, and showed off his jumping; he cleared the kitchen, ditches, and everything else in range in beautiful style, and looked like a deer. I paid one hundred and fifty dollars for him and bought also a saddle, bridle, halter, holster, and everything quite complete and necessary for the campaign. Seth took charge of him and thinks him the finest horse in the army. He is a fine goer, carries his head superbly, and I shall take great pride in riding him. A few days after I bought him, I was ordered to report to brigade headquarters and to my surprise, Fiske notified me that he was going home on sick leave, and that the general, at his suggestion, was going to detail me as acting adjutant-general of the brigade till he got back. Up to this time, I had never spoken to a real general, and looked upon French as a fearful and wonderful being. He is magnificent in phisique; and the beau ideal of an old soldier, stepping as though he owned the earth; always followed by an orderly, either on foot, or horseback, ready to answer his slightest call. He is a splendid horseman, and everything about him is magnificent. He has a peculiar habit of winking with both eyes, which seems extremely curious, and until you get used to it, you are troubled to keep from laughing, which would be a dreadful thing. To this modern Hector, I was presented by Fiske. He received me very pleasantly, asked several questions, and then requested me to move over in the morning with my belongings, and assume the duties of adjutant general. I returned to regimental headquarters as proud as d’Artagnan and reported to the colonel the result of my interview. The colonel was proud of his adjutant being selected in preference to any other, and congratulated me on having been called upon for this duty. Seth is mighty conceited about the change from regiment to brigade headquarters, and feels the promotion quite as much as I; he looks more dignified than ever, and says confidently, that it is only a question of time when we shall go on the staff of the commander-in-chief.
