June 11th. The regiment was relieved to-day from fatigue duty, and retired to a position out of range of the enemy’s guns, in the second line; our tents (officers’) came up, too, and for the first time in twelve days we have shelter from the weather; we have laid out night and day in rubber coats, never undressing, and without any protection whatever, other than our rubber blankets. G ̲ ̲ ̲ ̲ and B ̲ ̲ ̲ ̲ . left the regiment to-day, their resignations having been accepted on account of their conduct in the late battle. Nobody seemed to sympathize with them, but I felt sorry, particularly for B ̲ ̲ ̲ ̲ . Last night an alarm was sounded, and in accordance with standing orders we rushed to the color line, fell in, and stood under arms half an hour; about 1 P. M. there was a total eclipse of the moon, which we had the pleasure of observing from the color line. The daily routine now is not particularly interesting. Officers and men are always armed and equipped, never removing their belts. At three this morning I got up and routed out the company officers, then formed the regiment on the color line, where we remained for two hours. No drums, bugles, or bands are allowed to play, so we are obliged to go amongst the men to wake them up, and give the orders; an adjutant’s duty just now is more arduous than ornamental. Many reports of possible movements, but nothing intelligent. McClellan seems to be afraid.
Diary of Josiah Marshall Favill.
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