THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865

August 24. Received orders to shift our encampment and to be
ready to march at 7 A.M. All ready and tents struck at the
[15] appointed time, but millitary-like did not start until 1 P.M.
Had to march back to Arlington Heights to consolidate the
brigade. Pitched our tents and made outselves comfortable.
Saw Gen'l McDowell. Think he would make a good pugilist.
August 25, Sunday. Went down to Potomac to bathe. Whilst
gone had dress parade and whilst the colonel had the men on
the ground said we had better have meetings, the only way to
get the men to church. Not a very religious regiment. More
packs of cards used than prayer books. Plenty of tracts
around. Better save the money and buy rifles for the men.
Heard the articles of war read this afternoon, rather a
sleepy operation. Must be did, though.
August 26, Monday. Had a review today. Two brigades was
inspected by Mr. President and Secretary of State and Gen'ls
McClellan, McDowell, and their respective staffs. Handsome
man, McClellan. Eye like an hawk. Looks wide awake. Don't
think they can fool him. Keeps his own counsel. Don't think
Beauregard will know much of his plans. Evidently knows his
biz. Says we must have blue uniforms. Shows his sense
there, as the Army is dressed now. They look like the London
beggars. Motley is their wear. Another good idea of his -
keeping the officers and men from hanging around the gin
mills in Washington. He should have a court of examination
called to
[16] examine these volunteer officers, both regimental and
company. through their facings. I don't wonder at the
disgraceful affair of Bull Run. Nothing else to be expected.
Men good enough, officers not worth the lace on their coats,
but it will learn the government something.
August 27, Tuesday. The rebels drove in our pickets this
noon. Killed one of the 25th. We received orders to hold
ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice to
Arlington Mills, where the 25th lay last week. The rebel's
pickets come in there now.
August 28, Wednesday. Lay on our arms all night in
expectation of being called out. Slept good and sound all
night as I usually do. I received a package of things from
the little woman at home and a verry nice pipe and for all of
them I am truly thankful. It is a good thing to have
somebody at home to remmember a fellow when he is far away.
August 28th,Wednesday. The rebel kicking up quite a noise
with their guns out beyond the railroad. Heard they had a
battery erected on Hall's Hills, which commanded Ball's
Crossroads and the battery which the 35 have erected as well
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