Disaffection, fomented by some secret, unknown cause, was spreading among the officers of the Army.

I was young; this was my first journey; yet none the less these matters left my mind uneasy.

I was eager to be back in Virginia, for by every sign and token there certainly was trouble ahead for all who dwelt near the Potomac.
Next I went on to Harrisburg, and thence took rail up the beautiful Susquehanna valley, deep into and over the mountains.

At Pittsburg I, poor provincial, learned that all this country too was very old, and that adventures must be sought more than a thousand miles to the westward, yet a continual stir and bustle existed at this river point.

A great military party was embarking here for the West--two companies of dragoons, their officers and mounts.