My leave of absence required me to report for duty, at Jefferson Barracks, at the end of twenty days.

I knew my regiment had gone up the Red River, but I was not disposed to break the letter of my leave; besides, if I had proceeded to Louisiana direct, I could not have reached there until after the expiration of my leave.

Accordingly, at the end of the twenty days, I reported for duty to Lieutenant Ewell, commanding at Jefferson Barracks, handing him at the same time my leave of absence.

After noticing the phraseology of the order--leaves of absence were generally worded, "at the end of which time he will report for duty with his proper command"-- he said he would give me an order to join my regiment in Louisiana.

I then asked for a few days' leave before starting, which he readily granted.