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From DigitalMaine Transcription Project
58 July 4th 1862
I was in Camp all day. we was awaken this morning at sunrise by the booming of cannon a salute o 34 guns was fired one for each State in the Union. There has been firing of cannon most all day. At night I had to go on Picket guard down to Black Rock abought 8 miles from Front Royal.
July 5th
Came back to camp from Picket guard at noon. was in camp all the rest of the day. We received marching orders to night to march to Richmond. We are to start to morrow morning at daylight.
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July 6th
We started abought 6 oclock this morning for Richmond. We only came abought 10 miles to day it has been a very hot day. I was on Patrol guard last night.
July 7th
We commenced our march again this morning at daylight came abought 12 miles and camped. it has been the warmest day that I ever saw in my life.
July 8th
We did not move to day stoped in Camp. where we was last night it has been a very warm day so hot that it seemed so that I should melt. our Orders have been changed abought going to Richmond.