Mathias county is a lovely peninsula, encompassed by the waters of the
Piankatank River, on the north, the Chesapeake Bay, on the east, and Mob
Jack Bay, on the south. The North River forms a portion of its boundary
on the west, against Gloucester county, and nearly severs it from the
mainland.

Kilpatrick was favored with fine weather in his expedition, and returned
on the twenty-second crowned with success. A multitude of slaves was
liberated, hailing our forces everywhere as their friends and
protectors. Large numbers of fine horses and mules, with which that
country abounds, were also captured. No Rebel force of any importance
was encountered, and the boys greatly enjoyed their visit to the
well-stocked plantations of the wealthy farmers, many of whom had never
before seen a Yankee.

_May 24._--I was taken very suddenly ill during the night. Dr. Kingston
came to see me at three o'clock, and so skilfully treated my case, that
I was quickly relieved of pain. In three hours from the time the surgeon
came to my quarters, I was well enough to be up and on duty, so that at
six o'clock I was able to call the roll of my company as usual, and to
attend to other duties.

The day after my illness I began to make out muster and pay rolls for my
company. This work was undertaken by all the first-sergeants of the
regiment. But our task is unusually difficult, as nearly all our
company-books and papers were captured by guerillas at the commencement
of the spring campaign. "Patience and perseverance" is our motto; and
yet many times, as we endeavor to unravel the snarls and untie the
knots, we find that the above virtues almost forsake us.

_May 26._--This afternoon we had mounted regimental drill, and this was
followed by dress-parade. Our time is now devoted mostly to drilling, in
preparation, as we all think, for some movement.

_May 29._--Orders for an advance have at length reached us. At five
o'clock this afternoon we struck our tents, broke camp, and crossed the
York by ferry, halting for the night near Fort Keyes, at Gloucester
Point. There is much discussion among us as to the point of destination,
but nearly all agree that we are to rejoin the Army of the Potomac.
Soldiers seldom know the object of their movements. All we need is to
receive the order or command, and we go, "asking no question for
conscience' sake."

_May 30._--We moved from Gloucester Point early in the morning, and made
a forced march to the Piank