"We are going back to Virginia."

September 11, 1862, towards Williamsport

I had thought as all of us had thought that we were taking the war to the enemy. Is that not why we crossed the Potomac into Maryland? Yesterday morning, we left Frederick bound for Boonsboro, even further into Maryland. 

Our reception in Boonsboro was cooler that the one we received in Frederick. Boonsboro is a wretched place by comparison. The women looked as if they were weaned on a lemon. None of us were able to acquire anything wearable or edible except Castles who purchased, if that is the right word, a single cheese. He was good enough to share it. Castles is a good man.

Perhaps something has happened to cause the army to change direction. We are going back to Virginia and we do not know why. Reasons for our turnaround are flying through the ranks. No one is happy about this. We came to do battle and the only action we have seen is with that Dutch woman in Frederick. We have never before been so fit and eager and we all have shoes. We will wear them out returning to Virginia.