to drink. Must confess desire very great within last few days. am conscious of my strength to resist temptation, however great it may be. Have just heard that Genl. Early after having whipped the enemy at Chistian's Creek on the 2d inst. retreated through Rock fish Gap towards Greenville. this I think is doubtful. Have just heard that the Brigade had not left Pendleton on the 3d. If this be true, will leave here tomorrow. have just heard of the capture of Genl. Early and staff. Lt. Dardon [i.e., 2nd Lt. Thomas Darden, Co. F, 23rd Virginia Cavalry] with the dismounted men came up this eve.

March 5th

A bright beautiful day. froze hard last night. Nothing from the Brigade yet. except a report that it is still in Pendleton: Here we have been for three days debating among ourselves what is best to be done. ignorant of either the exact whereabouts of our Brigade or Genl. Early. Many propositions have been made, discussed and rejected. Seven officers, Capts Richardson Adams [i.e., Capt. Thomas Jackson Adams, Co. K, 23rd Virginia Cavalry] and Waldon [i.e., Capt. A. T. Walden, Co. A, 23rd Virginia Cavalry]. Lts Glaze [i.e., 1st Lt. George F. Glaize, Co. F, 23rd Virginia Cavalry], Cushing [i.e., 2nd Lt. Randolph D. Cushen, Co. K, 23rd Virginia Cavalry], Dardon and myself, and one non commissined officer, Hogsett [i.e. Sgt. Henry S. Hogsett, Co. D, 23rd Virginia Cavalry] and seven privates. Personally