THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865
THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865
THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865
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etreating, but I don't think they can do it a second time<br />
because we have got a different man from Gen'l McDowell at<br />
the head of the army. On what a slight basis a man's<br />
reputation rests. If McDowell had won Bull Run, He would be<br />
commander-in-chief on the banks of the Potomac today. As it<br />
is, he has charge of two brigades and in my opinion he has<br />
all he can do to handle them, for it takes a mighty able<br />
general to maneuvre 50000 men. So Napoleon thought. Had<br />
church at 10 A.M. Did not attend, though. Received and<br />
answered a letter from my wife. Had dress parade at the<br />
usual hour. Turned in at the usual hour.<br />
Monday, Oct. 14th. Turned out at 5 A.M. Went on guard this<br />
morning. The day passed the same as usual.<br />
Tuesday, Oct. 15th. Came of guard this morning. Was pretty<br />
cold through the night. A fire felt very comfortable indeed.<br />
I wonder how it will feel two months from now? I hope I<br />
will be further south by that time. I should hate to go into<br />
cantonments on the banks of the Potomac this winter.<br />
Wednesday, Oct. 16th. The rain is coming down again. It is<br />
[36] very muddy weather now in consequence of so much rain falling<br />
lately. The day passed off quietly.<br />
Thursday, Oct. 17th. The company went on fatigue to Fort<br />
Wadsworth, as it is now called. Misting rain all the<br />
afternoon. Heard that Gen'l Wadsworth was within 1/2 a mile<br />
of Fairfax Court house with Captain Gerry's company of<br />
cavalry and a company of the 35th N.J.V.,the rebels retiring<br />
to beyond the village where they drew up in line three<br />
regiments of them and invited them down to come and take<br />
them, which polite invitation he respectfully declined. We<br />
had orders to be ready to march. The rain still coming down.<br />
Turned in without being called for.<br />
Friday, Oct. 18th. Was roused out about 4 this morning to go<br />
to Fairfax to the support of Gen'l Wadsworth, only the right<br />
wing to go. Before we started, the order was countermanded,<br />
for which I was indeed thankful, as I did not relish the idea<br />
of walking 11 miles in the rain on an empty stomach. Gen'l<br />
McClellan told Mr. Wadsworth that when he wanted them to<br />
advance, he would let them know. The day passed off gloomy<br />
and rainy.<br />
Saturday, Oct. 19th. Nothing of importance occurred today<br />
except having orders for a brigade inspection on tomorrow<br />
morning.<br />
Sunday, Oct. 20th. Brigade inspection at 9 o'clock. The<br />
troops looked remarkably well. No divine service today.<br />
19
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