Centerville Fairfax C.H.
Our march was extremely difficult.
Through the heavy rain the road had become very slippery and was in part flooded. Infantry, cavalry, artillery, even wagons were at times next to one another or in complete confusion. Our regiment was separated part of the time and after the main forces were again combined, we had to rest at daybreak about one mile from Fairfax for an hour or so to enable all to assemble again.
Morning: March through Fairfax C.H.
Bivouac on a hill by Fairfax.
Rations of coffee and crackers are distributed. About four o'clock in the afternoon departure to Lewinsville* with an entire army corps. The march during the night was interrupted many times through halts and pushing of throngs. Our regiment again is separated and assembles near Arlington Heights or Church Falls. In the morning, dead tired, we arrive in Lewinsville. During our returnmarch (sic) from Centerville we hear of a battle which had taken place the night before last, close by Fairfax,** Generals Stevens and Geary were killed, also between four to five hundred dead and wounded suffered by ours. ------*** for us.
This success saved our army.
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*From Wikipedia: Traditionally, the center of Lewinsville has been located at the crossroads of Lewinsville and Chain Bridge Roads.
**Battle of Chantilly (VA)
***This word is illegible in the copy of the diary.
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