in Bivouac Near Rappahannock Crossing, August 20, 1862.
I had hardly finished my last letter when marching orders
came. We had a night's bivouac Monday, a tedious, dusty, broiling march
yesterday, and another bivouac last night behind the Rappahannock, which is now
between us and the enemy, who were, I suppose, themselves awaiting us beyond
the Rapidan. I have no spirit for speculation or prophecy, only an aching for
result and fulfillment. . . . .
Lieutenant Mills has reported for duty, and finds himself
very busy. He comes at the moment when we need every officer's service. He will
do well. Last evening when we came on to the field, I found Private Kent Stone
waiting for me, looking bright and earnest. He came on in charge of the new
recruits from Washington; and as soon as we were established, he marched his
recruits into our field, and they were assigned to their companies. I advised
the Stones to go into Company C, Captain Cogswell, and they will be well cared
for there. . . . . There is nothing to tell. I suppose our movements are for
the purpose of effecting a junction with McClellan's forces, which are, at all
events, expected by us.
This is the end of my week since joining. It has been a full
one.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p. 284
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