Sep. 21—Hear Rev. A. A. Watson, chaplain 2nd Regiment, preach. Write to Mary by Mr. Van Bokelin.
Sep. 22—Ride to the wagons to rest. Five years ago this afternoon my second son, Willie, was born. God bless him and spare us to see each other. Ride to Martinsburg in afternoon. Lie beside my horse at night, gazing at the stars and thinking of Mary and my little ones. “What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?”
Sep. 23—Visit 18th and 28th Regiments.
Sep. 25—Dine with Harry Thomas, near Martinsburg, a thrifty farmer, fine-looking, genial gentleman. I met Mr. Thomas afterwards in another section and greeted him as such. He looked at me as if he did not remember me. I gave him my name and said: “Is this Mr. Harry Thomas?” He said: “No, it is his brother Jack.” I told him I had met his brother and was glad to meet him. Some time after I met Mr. Thomas and called him Thomas. He evidently did not remember me. I quickly asked him if he was Mr. Harry or Jack. He said it was neither, but their brother Jake! I wish I could see the three together.
Sunday, Sep. 28, 1862—Preach in camp.
Sep. 29—Ride to Winchester with sick men. Meet Captain Drake and Captain Witherspoon on road with mail. Get letter from wife. Little Mary quite ill on 12th. May now be in Heaven. Father, into thy hands I commend my child. Stop with Rev. W. G. Eggleston, P. E. of this District of the Baltimore Conference. Lately lost his wife. Has a family of children.
Sep. 30.—Ride to camp and carry Brigade mail. Meet Rev. J. A. Robbins, a schoolmate, now from Georgia.