sho', an' Marsa Peter he know it. I 'terpret dat for him; 'deed I did. I
not fool on dat. But, den, we mus' take keer ob him. I 'spec' he go home
an' see he mudder and fader. I 'spec' me better go wid him and tend to
him. Don't you fought so too, Marsa Gen'l?'

"The General told Ham he would see about it. Peter began to improve, and
it really seemed as if he would recover. I was informed by Gen. Anderson
of Peter's misfortune, but kept it from my family, except Henry, who
was at home, as I before stated, in order to aid me in protecting the
family, the country being in such an alarming condition. The growing
belief in the final success of Silent against Laws was quieting the
people somewhat.

"I made an excuse to the family, so that Henry was sent South to see
Peter and bring him home if he should be able to stand the journey. I
obtained a pass for Henry from the President by letter, and he started
to find his brother. He told Seraine, however, before he started, what
his mission was. She was discreet, and did not speak of it to any one.

"During this time Sherwood moved out, McFadden on the extreme right,
Scovens in the center, and Papson on the left. About six miles on the
road leading to the crossing of the Chatham River Papson encountered the
enemy and passed the compliments of the Fourth of July with them, firing
his artillery loaded with shell into their lines. The celebration was
kept up in this way by both sides during the day, but the loss was not
great on either side.

"Just at this time Gen. Russell, under orders, left De Kalb, Ala.,
with 2,000 cavalry, passing through the country and meeting but little
obstruction on his way. He finally struck the railroad west of Opelima
and destroyed it for many miles, making a successful raid. He reported
to Sherwood at Henrietta, with hundreds of horses and mules, supposed to
have followed him, on his return.

"Stoner was also to the west of our forces hunting for railroads,
bridges, etc., which might be useful to the enemy. McCabe was with his
cavalry on Soap Run, and one other division under Garner at Ross Mills,
to the left of our main army.

"McFadden with his army now moved to the left, by Ross Mills, across
Chatham River and down to De Kalb by way of Stonington's Mountain.
Scovens crossed the Chatham River near the mouth of Soap Run, and
thereby occupied the center. Papson crossed at or above the railroad
bridge. The whole army was now safely across the river