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� enemy to contend with in Virginia. 7 p.m. -- This evening I returned from a long ride. Immediately after dinner the General started out with his staff on a reconnoitering expedition. Our object was to find the best road leading to Bristol which place we visited.

After returning to camp I started out alone to visit Bull Run. Having reach Manassas Junction I called at a house and inquired the way to the battle field The negro showed me and explained the situation. I took down a sketch of it and then rode off with three of the Maine Cavalry. We however did not succeed through mistaking the road, and so had to return. I took the Cavalry with me because I did not expect to get back before tonight and it is very dangerous