18th. Got 2nd O. and 7th O. details running mills. Bought some beef cattle and settled some accounts. Various orders for the brigade. Uncertain about its movements. McDowell paying off 2nd Brigade. Our Brigade to be paid off soon. A cold day. Water frozen. I am so anxious to hear from Fannie. I am miserable [...]
Friday, 18th–No news. Our camps are good and there will be no suffering since we have plenty of wood for fuel. The boys feel quite lively staying in camp so long at one time, but I think a march would do us all some good.
DECEMBER 18th.—Yesterday evening the battalion of clerks was to leave for Western Virginia to meet the raiders. After keeping them in waiting till midnight, the order was countermanded. It is said now that Gen. Lee has sent three brigades after Averill and his 3000 men, and hopes are entertained that the enemy may be captured. [...]