of infantry, appeared in review before Lieut. General Grant, on the Plains of Stevensburg. The army is very enthusiastic over its commander-in-chief. Some change has recently taken place in our cavalry. Gen. Kilpatrick has been assigned to a larger command in the west, and Gen. John H. Wilson succeeds him. Gen. Davies is also removed to some other position, and Col. McIntosh commands the first brigade, which is now composed of the 18th Pennsylvania, 1st Connecticut, 2d New York, and 5th New York.

April 29th. Orders were issued early this morning to break up winter quarters, preparatory to the campaign, which is about to open. The regiment moved about half a mile, near brigade headquarters, which are in the house of a Mr. Ross.

May 2d. The day had been fine until about five P. M., with only an occasional cloud, which floated lazily through the sky. At this time a terrible commotion of the elements was observed in the west, and heavy clouds of dust arose from the hills about Culpepper, and swept down over the plains in the direction of our camps. In an incredibly short time from its appearance, the tornado struck us, with a fury and force seldom witnessed. Scarcely a tent was left standing, while pieces of tents, shelters, boards, articles of clothing, papers, &c., were flying on the wings of the wind. At times the dust suffocated and blinded us. Horses broke loose from their fastenings and ran about in wild dismay. Men laughed at each other's calamities or ran to each other's relief. This carnival of winds continued about twenty minutes, and was followed by a cold rain, which fell upon our unsheltered heads. With much difficulty some shelters were replaced, and a tolerable night's rest was enjoyed.

CHAPTER VIII.

Army of the Potomac. Good Condition. - First Steps of the
Great Campaign under Gen. Grant. -The Fifth New York opens
the Battle of the Wilderness at Parker's Store.-Detailed at Army
Headquarters. Scenes at the Hospital. Lines of Battle.
Second Day. Lee breaks our Lines twice. - Is Repulsed.
Col. Hammond Ordered to Germania Ford. Is Placed in Com-
mand of Provisional Brigade of Cavalry.-Brings up Rear on
First Left Flank Movement. - Skirmishes on the Ny and Po
Rivers. Affair at the Mattapony. - Sergeant Sortore Killed.-
His Burial. Battle of Milford Station. A Stratagem at Little
River. Vast Forests of Virginia. Battle of Ashland Station
- Dark, Muddy March along the Pamunkey - Tedious March in
Rear of a Supply Train.
- At
Men Sleep on their Horses.
Charles City C. H. — Fight at White Oak Swamps. -- May 3d
to June 16th, 1864.

The Army of the Potomac had never been in as good condition as Gen. Grant found it in the spring of 1864. All winter long its ranks had been filling up, and its drill grounds around the camps had been thoroughly trodden. "Numbers and thorough discipline" had heen the motto of its masters. The rank and file were largely made up of veterans, who had seen service for three years of hard campaigning, and who had reënlisted for three years more, if their services were needed all that time. This was a great element of power. The supplies from the quartermaster and commissary departments were abundant and generally