September 21, 1861 Continued

This march is a memorable one & shouldbe
recorded. In the short space we have spent
in these mountains of Western Va. our
hardships & perils have unsurpassed by
those any been so enormous, that they
appear incredible when told.

General Floyd was much displeased
when he learned that Gen. Wise had remained,
thinking that he had disobeyed a peremptory
ordy. This was explained however b soon.
A messenger was sent to inquire the
reasons for not moving. Gen Wise ex-
plained it, by referring to the language of
the order, & giving sundry other reasons
which showed plainly that it was never
his intention to leave the point at that
time. It is quite unfortunate that gen. Floyd
should have such a character as Gen. Wise
to depend on this his movements, -- from past
experience, we know, that even in the most
perilous positions, it is almost hoping
against hope for General Wise to cooper-
ate with us.

Early on the 17th our forces reached
Meadow Bluff where we now are camped.
Information reached us which we thought
reliable, that Lee with a strong force was
at Summerville in rear of Rosencranz.

This cheered us greatly & Gen. Floyd issued
orders at once that 3 or 4 days rations shld.
be cooked, intending to make a bold,
sudden attack upon the flank of Rosen-
cranz by marching down the Wilderness
Road in the night with all his available
men. this was a good idea & doubtless
wld. have succeeded, had Lee really
been in rear to support us. We ascer-
tained that he was not there & desisted
from making the movement.

On Fortifications were immediately
commenced about one mile west of
Meadow Bluff & are now very formida-
ble. On the 18th I was sent to Lewisburg
to purchase a large number of Blacksmith
tools, which I did with some difficulty &
sent them to Camp early in the morning
of the 19th. That day I remained in
Lewisburg, & returned to Camp on the
Morning of the 19th 20th. While absent
various dispatches came ^'from' Gen. ^'from Wise
stating that the enemy were advancing upon
him which created some sensation in our
camp. As yet however no battle has
taken place & it is likely from present
information none will be fought for several
days at lest. Yesterday the 20th
a messenger arrived from Gen. Lee at
Frankfort informing us that he wld. be
with us to day & contradciting the numerous
reports of his surrounding Reynolds &
cutting to pieces his army. To day that
distinguished General arrived & took
dinner with us. His appearance is com-
manding & I hope he will accomplish
something while with us. Our fortifica-
tions are progressing well.

General Robert E. Lee