Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1862

Last night I heard the patrol pass and repass the house, mounted men sent by Col. Putnam to watch the fords.  Kate took the little girls out riding this morning and to Mr. Burgess' to dinner.  They took tea yesterday at Mrs. W. D. Bailey.  Mrs. Bailey came in this morning and proposed that we have female prayer meeting, the first, at her house, tomorrow at three o'clock.  It is a good and proper suggestion.  God only can help us.  All loyal men look anxiously toward Gen. Pope's army in Virginia.  A battle is expected.  God grant it be not defeat but certain victory.  Rufus writes Aug. 14 from "Cedar Mountain battlefield".  "You have doubtless seen by the papers that we were too late for the battle and that Jackson has again retreated.  We came up just in time to meet the wagon trains loaded with wounded.  It was the most murderous conflct of the war, 923 wounded and 300 left dead on the field out of 6000 engaged.  The scene on the battlefield Monday morning beggars description.  Hands, arms and every fragment of the body thrown over the field.  The enemy had every advantage of numbers and position and simply murdered our men by the hundred while they were comparatively secure.  We have been continually on the march for two weeks.  Our dash on Fredericks Hall was the most daring feat of the war here.  Newpaper reporters have not given us all the credit due.  We were at one time completely environed by the enemy.  Gen. Stuart of the rebel cavalry was in our rear with 3000 men.  Our force was less than 1000.  Col. Cutler has been highly complimented in General Orders.  In his official report the following occurs:  "I wish especially to notice Lt. Col. Kilpatrick and Major Davies of the Cavalry and Lt. Col. Bragg and Major Dawes of the infantry for the prompt and efficient manner in which they caused all my orders to be executed, also for the many valuable suggestions I received from them.""