achusetts" already on the road waiting for us, under
the fatherly protection of Colonel Underwood, who had been so long a
member of "ours" as captain of "the bloody I's." Opinions were exchanged
as to the probability of the Third Wisconsin getting its orders. Bets,
of course, were freely offered and taken on the chances. Meantime, we
were joined by a battery of horse artillery and a string of pack mules
carrying extra ammunition. Presently, a battalion appeared coming over
the hill at a pace indicating important business. Our cheering was taken
up by the rest of the column; and the Third Wisconsin replied with wild
howls, and quickly took their place as part of our special brigade.

After a furious thunder-shower, which laid the dust, General Ames gave
the word; and the command moved off at a smart gait. The air was cool,
and every member of the chosen band was in high spirits. Even that
army-trodden country, under the circumstances, and with the influence of
a beautiful sunset, looked fresh and picturesque.

There was evidently a strong impression that we were able-bodied to the
last man; for we skipped along for eight miles without a halt, in a
style which impressed our cavalry friends, whom we found about eight
o'clock in the evening drawn up in a field at the roadside, to give us
the right of way. A voice came from one of the saddles, "I say, boys!
what brigade?" "Ah, you recruit!" replied one of the wits of the
regiment: "don't you know this brigade? This is Gordon's flying
brigade,"--which was received with much merriment. The men were in
excellent humor, ready to bandy words with any one, especially the
cavalry, whom they began to divine they were to operate with. This
elegant repartee was kept up all along the line. Occasionally, officers
exchanged greetings, where friends could make each other out in the
dark. A hasty word and shake of the hand (perhaps the last), and our
cavalry friend is left still watching the column as it marches briskly
along. Another cavalry detachment inquires: "What's your hurry, boys?
Where are you going?"

"We're going to Richmond. Saddle up, you cowards, and come along!" A
soldier in the next company, of an inquiring disposition, asks, "Who
ever saw a dead cavalry man?"

We bivouacked near Spotted Tavern, about eleven o'clock at night; and,
after this lively march of sixteen miles, we were allowed a comfortable
rest, while the cavalry occupied the road.

Resuming our march at te