May 28th. The brigade has been drilling on the parade ground in every known tactical movement. We can execute the most difficult movements with never a blunder nor the least hesitation. Horse racing, bayonet exercises, some fencing, and some gardening; many of the flowers now in full bloom.
General Zook has applied for and received a twenty day leave of absence and goes home to-morrow. Broom and I go with him. This is one of the sweets of staff positions: we are to do as we please after reaching Washington and all our traveling expenses are paid. The command of the brigade was turned over to Colonel Morris of the Sixty-sixth New York, a gallant and accomplished officer and gentleman and one of my very good friends.
