

CHAPTER III. 



Returning to Washington — Bumside's defeat at Fredericksburg — Return- 

 ing to the camp — Our birthday — How the soldiers celebrated it — A 

 curious birthday cake — Aquaia Creek — Our canvas palace — General 

 Hooker commanding the Potomac army — Our factotum, old Groeben 

 — General Sickles — His sumptuous festival- -How Uncle Sam cared 

 for his soldiers — Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln visiting the camp — The 

 President's wife — Portrait of President Lincoln — Salm's regiment 

 mustered out —Returning Home — Reception in Washington — In 

 New York — A festival in Hamilton Park — Salm presented with a 

 sword of honour — A soldier's ball — I must attempt a speech — Turning 

 another leaf. 



When the Confederates advanced, some fighting took place 

 near Chantilly, and our troops received orders to fall back 

 towards the Rappahanoc River. I accompanied my husband 

 for a while, after which he thought it better that I should go 

 to Washington, until the troops should have arrived at some 

 jjlace where they would remain perhaps for the winter. I 

 went away in company of Colonel von Amsberg's wife, and 

 .stayed a few weeks in the National Hotel in Washington. 



These short separations from my dear Felix were not with- 

 out charm, for I could quietly reflect on and enjoy my happi- 

 ness. I was then happy, as I have never been again in my 

 life. My husband was in the position he desired, and perfectly 

 contented, and we loved each other very much. 



Wiien the Potomac army arrived at the Rappahanoc, there 

 were no means ready to cross that river, and General Burnside 

 had to wait eight precious days, which were not lost by the 

 Confederates. Corvin wrote to Europe, that if Burnside 

 crossed the Rappahanoc we should experience a second edition 

 of the Berezine battle, no miracle preventing such a disaster. 

 He was right. Burnside crossed that river ; the bloody battle 



