Wednesday, JANUARY 4, 1865

Received orders to day to have Horses [illeg] preparatory to a move in contemplation [2 lines illeg] very cold.

Thurs TUESDAY 5

Received orders to draw & cook three [illeg] rations, a raid evidently in contemplation [2 words illeg] towards Beverly [illeg] slightly warmer [illeg] it has been [2 words illeg] cold [illeg] to suit the wishes of any body that does not live at the North Pole

Friday WEDNESDAY 6

Passed [2 lines illeg] today in camp cold rain has been falling rapidly all day. Received orders later this morning to be ready to move at sun rise tomorrow morning.

SaturdayTHURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1865

Moved out at sun rise according to orders, cleared up last night very cold & windy [illeg] to McDowell Highland late. Went [3 lines illeg] weather exceeding cold on these mountains McDowel is a small place, but like many other small places has become a place of note [illeg] this war, there being a battle fought [illeg] in 62 by the immortal Jackson.

Sunday FRIDAY 8

Remained in camp all day. Had inspection by Gen. Rosser who delivered a short but effective speech to his little hand full of Cavalry which is reduced to the very small number of 450 men [illeg] were all furnished today with [3 words illeg] for rations

Monday SATURDAY 9

Resumed the march at an early hour this morning, keeping on the Grade to Beverly. Encountered a great deal of ice on the various little mountains which we had to cross Passed through Monterey, & Hightown, two small and unimportant places at the latter place three hours on [illeg] took a small bunch of [2 lines illeg] mountains. went into camp late [3 words illeg] cold rain