victory. o5 



the government building I felt more happy than I have ever 

 been in, my life. 



Senator Harris congratulated me, but shook his head wonder- 

 ingly, for he never could have believed in such a success of a 

 lady with Governor Morgan. When I entered the room in the 

 hotel where Salm was waiting in great anxiety for my return, I 

 assumed an indifferent look, and with a sad face he said I had 

 not been successful. I could- not stand it any longer, and 

 taking out my precious document, I said, * Here, dear, is your 

 commission as colonel of the 8th Regiment.' He would, at 

 first, not believe it ; but on unfolding the paper the nightmare 

 oppressing his heart was taken away, and we both shed tears 

 of joy. 



We at once left Albany, for Salm had to make preparations 

 to join his regiment, which was still in West Virginia. 



At the end of October Salm started for West Virginia, to 

 take the command of his regiment, which, in the commence- 

 ment of November 1862, stood in the most advanced position 

 in Aldy, a place about six miles from General Stahl's head- 

 quarters ; and a short time afterwards it was arranged that I 

 should pay him a visit under the escort of Colonel Corvin. 



On a night soon after my arrival at Aldy, we received news 

 that the enemy were advancing, and towards morning the order 

 to retire to Chantilly, a place about ten or twelve miles from 

 Aldv. 



The soldiers regretted having to leave, for they had es- 

 tablished themselves rather comfortably. Most of them had 

 improved their tents by means of boards and doors, using the 

 canvas as a roof. Many of these huts had even a window and 

 stoves. The breaking up of the camp was a new and stirring 

 scene, and I was much amused notwithstanding a fine rain, 

 which did not make the November morning more pleasant. Our 

 tent was of course packed also, and whilst the preparations were 

 going on I was sitting on a chair on its wooden flooring, 

 warmed by a roaring fire close by. The soldiers not willing 

 to leave to the rebels all their elaborate commodities, burnt 

 every piece of board or furniture they had. 



It was arranged that I and Colonel Corvin should ride in 

 advance of the brigade to Chantilly. The drizzling rain had 

 become a most abundant one, and our sharp ride was no 

 pleasure party especially for the colonel, to whom I had con- 



