April 22d. To-day the Second corps was reviewed by General Grant and made a splendid appearance. It was drawn up in four parallel lines in front of the reviewing stand, with the artillery on the right. We estimated the number of men parading at about twenty-five thousand, splendidly equipped and armed in the best fashion. Our division had the right of the line. Grant first moved down the ranks, after which we passed the reviewing stand in column, marching with great precision. John Hancock rode to the right as chief of staff, I next and then came Derrickson and the others.
This is the beginning of the end, and in a few days camp near Stevensburg will be a thing of the past, and where we shall we be, who can tell?
Under general order No. 104, from army headquarters, all superfluous baggage has been sent back to Washington, and we have little with us besides the clothing on our backs. All look forward to this campaign as the last of the series and expect Grant to spare neither life nor material in reducing the rebel army to submission.
