March 13. Froze very hard last night, which makes it very comfortable under foot. The 16^th Regeiment (16^th RegVI )are making a charge with all the nois that can be made by screeching. The 15^th (15^th RegVI ) are pouring volleys of blanks out into their ranks, which makes quite a battle-field of it. If it was only a reality the boys would be satisfied. They fairly itch for a fight. Rumors have it Gen. Stannard’s formerly of the 9^th Vermont (9^th RegVI), is come here to take command of this Brigade. Received a dispatch that the Rebs have crossed the Rappahannock in force, mostly cavalry This report has created quite an excitement in camp. The Colonel has 600 men at work digging rifle pits in front of their command. There is a good deal of fun going on to-night with the guard tent. The guard nutting everyone that attempts to show his head. Had just gone to bed when one of the clerks stuck his head in at the door and said we were all wanted. I had the fun of travelling through the road from here to the 15^th (15^th RegVI )in the dark, and riding all the stumps there was between here and there, besides falling into all the rifle pits.

March 14. Some excitement at the Shoals. Had some excitement or expected some excitement somewhere, I’ll be darned if I know where and I can’t find out. I don’t think I shall run until I do, or get orders to, then I shall do as I am a mind to about it. Rebs are round, and in the immediate vicinity of this place. ( I suppose so). Got my boot fixed to-day and cut my finger and did some other things, I suppose. Wolf Run Shoals is up.

Sunday 15^th. The 16^th Regt. (16^th RegVI) went out on scout last night and brought in four prisoners. The Colonel went to the Shoals this morning and has not yet returned. The Brigade Band came out and played Old Hundred, Sweet Home, and the Stair. It is now raining and hailing, thundering quite hard. March is rough weather out here, or has been so far. Night has set in with a hard wind and a severe hard storm.

Monday. 16^th. Cold but pleasant. There is enough hail on the ground to make it very good sledding. We are going to raise a liberty pole at Head-Quarters to hand out the Garrison flag. Quite pleasant this evening. The Boys are having a nice time. Mrs. Broonson is in to see the Colonel. She is one of the women, now I tell ye! I should not care to have my wife out here trooping around with every soldier that comes along.

Tuesday. 17^th. Went to Washington on business to Gen. Casey’s office. Stayed in town all night. Lieut. Graham, of the 16^th (16^th RegVI), was murdered between 22nt and 1^st Streets for his money.

Wednesday. 18^th. Returned to Camp and waded through the mud to the different regiments just for exercise. Capt. Hill got drunk as a fool. He is of no account, and was nothing but an Englishmen for all that.

Thursday. 19^th. The men are still at work on the rifle pits between here and the Shoals. Very heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of the Ocquecen.

Friday. 20^th. It has been a very cold, raw day. Some snow. Somewhat warmer to-night than it has been through the day. Cannonading was again heard on the Ocquecen Creek.

Saturday. 21^st. It was very cold this morning , but has turned round and is raining very hard. Gen. E. H. Stoughton has got back to Washington. I do not know whether he is exchanged or paroled. Col. Windham has been ordered to his regiment at Fredericksburg. Col. A T. Blount has gone out to the Shoals.

Sunday. 22^nd. Barney and Baid arrived from Richmond to-day. The Gen. has got a nice room with a bolt. Two hundred other gentlemen High Priests with a loaf of bread, and two ounces of rotten mule. Little hard, that, R. B. Brown. It has been a very warm day, mud and water as usual, (Secesh) R. B. Brown, Peteo Jacob and John Isaac, O. A. Brown, Abraham C. Brown.

23^rd. Went into Washington with the morning report. Had a great time for a small boy.

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