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and traveling several miles, I at last found him in the nearest one to our quarters. He was greatly amazed at my sudden appearance. But the first excitement over he and I were soon engaged in pleasant conversation. He borrowed the horse of one of his comrades for me and we took a ride into the country. After which we went with me to our quarters we visited the Capitol together. We then returned to the soldier's retreat and passed the evening happily in conversation. We next retired to rest that is lay down on a table and slept until morning.

Wednesday Sept. 18th I parted with Berry, possibly for the last time # but if our country demands it, be it so. We have got into a scrape. we are now at Georgetown without an officer or even a pass to show. It seems to me that officers ought to have more sense than to send a lot of men off to join their regiments in a country under martial Law without a scratch of a pen to account for them. And it seems to me that the boys are equally foolish to undertake such a job. I protested but told them I would go with them, even if we did get into a scrape, and now that we have got into a scrape, every one says he told us better but we would go ahead. Therefor I claim all the blame. The boys have already begun to grow sick of a soldier's life. Now be it understood that those that complain are not of the first ones that enlisted for they are remarkably cheerful, patient and intelligent boys. Evening. We at last got aboard of a government canal boat and started up the river. We have had a good time to day, where the boat has had to pass through several locks. At one place we could have time to play in the woods, hunt grapes, and swim in the canal. The groves nestled among the rocks are indeed lovely. When about 16 miles from Washington we stopped for the night. From what I have been able to observe of the conduct of young Standish

1. it was for the last time