, _Feb. '64._--Here I am FRONT pretty well down toward
the extreme front. Three or four days ago General S., who is now in
chief command, (I believe Meade is absent, sick,) moved a strong
force southward from camp as if intending business. They went to the
Rapidan; there has since been some manoeuvering and a little fighting,
but nothing of consequence. The telegraphic accounts given Monday
morning last, make entirely too much of it, I should say. What
General S. intended we here know not, but we trust in that competent
commander. We were somewhat excited, (but not so very much either,) on
Sunday, during the day and night, as orders were sent out to pack
up and harness, and be ready to evacuate, to fall back towards
Washington. But I was very sleepy and went to bed. Some tremendous
shouts arousing me during the night, I went forth and found it was
from the men above mention'd, who were returning. I talk'd with some
of the men; as usual I found them full of gayety, endurance, and many
fine little outshows, the signs of the most excellent good manliness
of the world. It was a curious sight to see those shadowy columns
moving through the night. I stood unobserv'd in the darkness and
watch'd them long. The mud was very deep. The men had their usual
burdens, overcoats, knapsacks, guns and blankets. Along and along they
filed by me, with often a laugh, a song, a cheerful word, but never
once a murmur. It may have been odd, but I never before so realized
the majesty and reality of the American people _en masse_.
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