Sunday, August 10, 1862, 9:30 A. M. — Captain Drake and Gilmore’s Cavalry have returned. The infantry are bathing in Bluestone. The expedition was completely successful, and was of more importance than I supposed it would be. They reached the salt well about 2:30 A. M.; found the works in full blast — a good engine pumping, two pans thirty feet long boiling, etc., etc. The salt is good; considerable salt was on hand. All the works were destroyed by fire. A canoe found at Crump’s was taken to the ferry.
I spent an anxious night. Jackson, Major Comly’s scout, reported that the salt well was guarded. This came to me after was in bed and too late to send the word to the expedition. I anticipated trouble there and felt anxious enough. I slept little, was up often. But luckily all went well. Not a man was in sight. This morning, as they were returning, the cavalry were bushwhacked, horses wounded, clothes cut, but no man hurt.
Received a “secret” order to be ready to move on one-half hour’s notice. Rode post to the ferry; set the men to preparing for one of General Pope’s minute and practical inspections.
