t. These
hasty levies were placed in the forts for the night, to be replaced by
veteran troops in the morning.

July 12th came bright and glorious. The First brigade of our Second
division, and our sharpshooters, were on picket in front of Fort
Stevens; the Second and Third brigades still enjoying the delightful
shade of the groves in rear of Fort De Russey. From the parapets of Fort
Stevens could be seen the lines of rebel skirmishers, from whose rifles
the white puffs of smoke rose as they discharged their pieces at our
pickets. The valley beyond the fort presented a scene of surpassing
loveliness, with its rich green meadows, its fields of waving corn, its
orchards and its groves. To the right was Fort Slocum, and on the left
Fort De Russey.

The residence of Hon. Montgomery Blair was within the line occupied by
the confederates, and we heard that the fine mansion had been the scene
of plunder and destruction, in revenge, as the rebels declared, for
havoc wrought by our troops in Virginia.

The principal force of the enemy seemed to be in front of Fort Stevens,
and here it was determined to give them battle. The barracks just in
rear of the fort were converted into a hospital for our Second division,
and all preparations were made for receiving our wounded men.

Four o'clock came, but, except that the rebel skirmishers were sending
their bullets whizzing over the fort, all was quiet. President Lincoln
and his wife drove up to the barracks, unattended, except by their
coachman, the superbly mounted squadron of cavalry, whose duty it was to
attend upon his excellency, being left far behind. The carriage stopped
at the door of the hospital, and the President and his affable lady
entered into familiar conversation with the surgeon in charge, praising
the deeds of the old Sixth corps, complimenting the appearance of its
veterans, and declaring that they, as well as the people of the country,
appreciated the achievements of the wearers of the Greek cross.

Thus, for nearly an hour, they chatted of various things, when General
Wright and his staff arrived on the ground, accompanied by several
ladies and gentlemen from the city.

All now repaired to the fort, and presently the portly form of Colonel
Bidwell, followed by his Third brigade, was seen approaching. The brave
colonel and his brave brigade marched past the fort into the valley
beyond, the President, the members of his cabinet and the ladies
praising the hard