iments, well filled and drilled, was reviewed by President Lincoln
and Generals Hooker and Stoneman. A salute of twenty-one guns was fired
upon the arrival of the Presidential party. The review took place on
Falmouth Heights, in full view of the Rebel encampment in rear of
Fredericksburg. The scene we presented to our enemies must have been
grand, for we appeared in our best uniforms and with flying colors. It
was an occasion not to be forgotten, the sight being one of the most
magnificent many of us ever saw. The column was between three and four
hours passing in review. It seemed to do us all good to get a glimpse of
the solemn, earnest face of the President, who reviewed us with apparent
satisfaction.

_April 7._--Picket details returned from the river to-day. In the
afternoon several horse-races came off near our camp, between the First
Pennsylvania, the First New Jersey, and Harris Light. One of
Kilpatrick's favorite horses was badly beaten, much to his
mortification, owing, as was alleged, to the stupidity of the rider, who
was sent off the ground in disgrace. We are frequently training our
horses for swift motions, and teaching them to jump ditches and fences.
These are occasions of excitement and amusement. Men are frequently
thrown from their horses while endeavoring to jump them beyond their
ability, though seldom is any one hurt. Much practice is necessary to
make perfect in this exercise.

The papers bring us good news of a "Great Union Victory in Connecticut."
Such victories, though bloodless, have a powerful influence upon the
rank and file of the army. Every ballot cast to sustain the
administration is equal to a well-directed bullet against the foe.

_April 8._--The brigade was called out this morning on the old
drill-ground to witness a somewhat sad and novel scene, namely, the
branding and drumming out of service of two deserters from Company K.
The command was formed into a hollow square, facing inward. Upon the
arrival of the blacksmith's forge, the deserters were partially stripped
of their clothing, irons were heated, and the letter "D" was burnt upon
their left hip. Their heads were then shaved, after which they were
marched about the square under guard, accompanied by a corps of buglers
playing "the rogue's march." It was a humiliating and painful sight, and
undoubtedly it left its salutary impression, as it was designed, upon
all who witnessed it. A deserter should be regarded as only next to