I said it was about eight miles and offered to proceed there ahead of the command and select a good sheltered camp.

This I did.

The adjutant accompanying the detachment helped me and laid out the camping spot, and when the command pulled in they disposed themselves for the night in a beautiful grove of timber where there was plenty of firewood and good grass for the horses and mules.

Soon the tents were up and big fires were crackling all around.
I accepted with thanks General Reynolds's invitation to mess with him on the trip.

After dinner, before a big log fire, which was being built in front of the general's tent, the officers came up to meet me.