16 Southern Historical Society Papers.
Tuesday, 22d, our trains moved back up the Valley, and I went down with troops to Rude's Hill after Yankee cavalry, which had driven in our pickets and come up there. Found about two brig- ades across and rest of two divisions on other side of Shenandoah river. Shelled them with artillery, threw forward sharpshooters, and our small force of cavalry on the left attacked, when they retired, retreating beyond Edinburgh, when we re-established our pickets ; our loss and the enemy's small. Our artillery fired badly.
I spent the night at division Headquarters with Lewis Randolph and Whiting. Started up the Valley on Wednesday, 23d ; Chiches- ter overtook me at Lacy's Spring, and we spent the night at Mr. Shafer's, three miles this side of Harrisonburg good place to stop at. Came on to Staunton the next day, dined with Major Randolph, and then out to camp, about 200 yards from this spot (on mountain near Mrs. Smith's), to which point we moved next morning. That day sent arms down to troops with Pollard, who returned day before yesterday. Saturday, 26th, went down to University and Char- lottesville, intending to return same day, but was left, and got back Sunday. Spent Monday in camp and worked on papers committed to me by Board. Yesterday sent wagon with ammunition to troops by Wilkins ; went into Staunton and paid the dentist a visit. Must get to work on papers now.
This concludes this rambling Diary, which has been of some in- terest to me, especially before leaving W. No chance of seeing the lower Valley again before next spring or summer.
