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[[start page]] July 6th We have at last succeeded in accomplishing our visit to the Rhode Island regiment. It is encamped in one of the most beautiful places near W. [[strikethrough]] There [[/strikethrough]] A light mist drapes the distant hills. An approaching thunder cloud some what obscured the setting sun but added new beauties to a landscape almost too exquisite to be real. The parade was very fine as there were two regiments, at its [[close?]] the troops formed into a solid square while the chaplain read a chapter in the Bible & stood with uncovered heads while he offered a prayer to the God of battles. It was a beautiful & touching scene. We did not see the Gov. Col. Burnside presided. He has a fine voice his clear tones were distinctly heard across the [[wide?]] parade ground. Monday July 15th An extra of the Star announced the defeat of a body of eight thousand secessionists under Gen Garnett command in the western part of Virginia at Laurel Hill. It is said 2,000 of the Southerners were taken prisoners. Gen. Garnett himself fell dead upon the field. We at first thought it was Muscoe Garnett the member of Congress but subsequently learned it was his cousin. Went in the evening to Major Hunter's to see Dr. & Mrs. Hodge. The [[city?]] was [[end page]] [[start page]] obstructed by camp equipment, canteens powder flasks ec. The Major was reclining upon the sofa as we entered the brightly lighted parlor. [[strikethrough]] They [[?]] [[\strikethrough]] He was ready with his young aid Sam [[Shelton?]] to start early tomorrow morning. The eyes of the latter were dancing with excitement & enthusiasm while his mother's rested fondly & tearfully upon him. At the head of the Major's sofa sat his adopted daughter, fair & gentle with a look of patient sadness upon her face. her husband is in the rebel army. She seemed too young to be the mother of the babe nestling in the Majors arms & pulling his mustache in infantile glee. It's little laughing face a contrast to the older careworn ones. Tuesday 16th We went up into the high tower to see the troops pass over into Virginia. 4 regiments crossed the long bridge while we were up there, every now & then they rent the air with their enthusiastic shouts but it was sad very sad to see them go I could not feel patriotic. I thought of the sad patient form we saw last night, of the many brothers who were pressing thus eagerly forward to shed the blood of brothers. [[Saw]] Fanny this evening she came from Alexandria this morning [[Edward?]] left her at 11 o'clock he is under Gen Franklin's command. She said that [[end page]]
