Report of evacuation from Centerville.
The night was cold but tolerable. I did not take any baggage, consequently was without comfort only with jacket and shawl, even without coat. Nachtmann lends me his blanket. In the morning beautiful weather.
NO RATIONS. Plundering continues, but is confined only to food and essentials. The first wagon with medical supplies arrives. Also our packs. Towards 5 o'clock in the morning departure. Marching in the direction of Manassas. After an approximately two hour march "Taylor Talbot Farm." Stop Fairfax Railroad Station. Roads and weather are unbeatable. Magnificent groves. Ground red clay. Rich farms in deepest peace, fences not damaged. Green winter velvet.
Everywhere trains of the Union Army.
Our Division is resting on a wide hilly flatland. Regiment behind regiment. Everywhere under trees, huts made from tentposts and branches, the soldiers are grouped and resting wrapped in their blankets like mummys. From North to South formation countless watchfires far off into the forest with reflection. Towards West a narrow high fire colum perhaps a burning barn. Towards North the magnificent outline of the trees without foliage in fiery reflection.
Report of evacuation from Manassas.
About 6 o'clock in the evening Schafer arrives with the first rations and some baggage. The wagons got stuck. A part of the rations was unloaded and remained behind cover.
For the time being only 1/2 ration of bread is meted out, all in all 1/4 loaf per man. Storm of indignation from the men and the Officers is heaved upon Schafer, as for neither the Quartermaster nor Quartermaster Sergeant is present, and most of the times, only the one present gets hanged.
We sleep exellently, seven men under one roof of blankets, in front of a long fire from fence posts.
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