His regiment was encamped a mile or two away, and he at once rode on and reported himself to Colonel Jones, who commanded it.
"I am glad to have you with me, sir," the colonel said.

"I had the pleasure of knowing your father, and am an old friend of your mother's family.

As you were in Ashley's horse and have been serving on Magruder's staff, you are well up in your duties; and it is a comfort to me that the vacancy has been filled up by one who knows his work instead of a raw hand.

We have had a brush or two already with the enemy; but at present we are watching each other, waiting on both sides till the generals have got their infantry to the front in readiness for an advance.

Jackson is waiting for Hill's division to come up, and I believe Pope is expecting great re-enforcements from McClellan." A few days later Colonel Jones was ordered to take charge of the pickets posted on the Rapidan, but before reaching Orange a gentleman rode up at full speed and informed them that the enemy were in possession of that town.