July 8. — We broke camp this morning in a drenching rain, and started with the wagons for Middleton, where our corps is. I saw the Twelfth Corps passing through the town, and saw Major Morse, commanding the 2d Massachusetts, and Bill Perkins. Heard of Tom Robe-son’s[1] death, and Charley Mudge’s[2] also. About a mile out from town I passed the body of the rebel spy, hung by Buford, naked and discolored, still dangling to a tree, — a fearful warning to such rascals. He had been accustomed to sell papers and maps in our army. I found General Newton[3], who was put in command of the First Corps, near Middleton. He said he should be happy to have me stay with him, and I shall do so. At 3 P.M. we received an order to move to the Gap, which we did, bivouacking there for the night. Our cavalry pickets had been driven in to Boonesboro, and we were sent therefore to prevent John R.[4] from getting the Gap. The Eleventh Corps also went there. A cavalry fight was going on a mile or more beyond Boonesboro during the afternoon, in which we held our own. It cleared off at noon. Found that Egbert had been taken prisoner and his things sent home.
[1] Thomas R. Robeson, Harvard 1861.
[2] Charles R. Mudge, my classmate.
[3] Gen. John Newton.
[4] Johnny Reb.
