June 25. — Received orders early this morning to be ready to move, and at about 8 o’clock we started for Young’s Ford, three miles below Edward’s Ferry. When near the ferry we found that the ford was too deep for infantry, so we moved for the ferry itself, where they have a pontoon bridge across. We met Birney’s corps just before turning off from the pike to the ferry. Here General Reynolds took command of the First, Third, and Eleventh Corps. We reached the river just where Goose Creek runs in, and crossed the creek on a pontoon bridge, and then the Potomac on another. I found Captain Reese and Captain Turnbull here, and after a little while we went up to their tents on the hill, which rises from the river. A new bridge was soon finished here, so that we had two going. The view from here was very fine, and the troops crossing made a very beautiful scene. Up to this time we had had a very dusty march of eight miles, but about 3 P.M. it began to rain, and soon settled into a drizzle which lasted all night. Our headquarters were established about a mile and a half from Poolesville, Maryland. General Reynolds rode into the town and saw General French. I heard that the 2d Massachusetts Cavalry were near here, and on looking for them, found them. I saw Colonel Lowell[1] and Major Forbes,[2] both looking very well.
[1] Col. Charles Russell Lowell, killed later at Cedar Creek.
[2] William H. Forbes.
