"Jackson is our general."

Saturday, August 9, 1862, near Culpeper, Virginia

I am so very tired as are the rest of us. From under this tree where I sit, I can see that so many of the boys have gone to sleep right where they collapsed. I shall join them very soon.

The four of us, Castles, Hancock, Duncan and myself had to light from the train at Gordonsville and make our way by foot, trying to catch up to our regiment. We could judge the way by the stragglers we encountered. We rested infrequently and ate little. Whatever action the regiment was marching towards we did not want to miss. We finally caught up with everyone at Orange Court House late in the night.

Corporal Flynn seemed glad to see us. From him and Sergeant Harper we learned that our brigade, under General Gregg, was part of the division of General A. Powell Hill. He is known for wearing a red shirt into battle. He must know that wearing such a thing makes him a target. Hill's division, along with that of General Ewell, now make up Jackson's wing of Lee's army. Jackson is our general. Jackson is making a march on their General Pope whose army is rumored to be near Culpeper Court House.

Whatever plans Jackson had were not agreed to by the Yankees for they attacked us at Cedar Mountain. Our brigade was detailed to guard the supply train against a possible raid by Yankee cavalry. Our General Gregg was fit to blow up and he "requested" to be allowed to fight but this was denied. The rest of the wing took on the enemy and beat them back without us. The march then resumed in the direction of this place, near Culpeper.

Although we are disappointed at having missed the battle, we know that our turn will come again someday.