The other companies were all quiet, but Company C was resolved to share the fortunes of the old company, and only waited for its action to be defined to come out and join her. The dissatisfaction was intense, and the Major absolutely alone and unaided in his efforts to stem the tide of sedition and mutiny in his camp, but his firmness and coolness made him master of the fiery spirits with whom he had to deal, and simply by appealing to their better nature won them from their desperate resolves, and very soon peace reigned in White’s battalion. But never for a day did the men forget their first love, or turn away their longing hearts from sighing after their lost independence.
Gen. Jones soon returned from his raid to Petersburg and Moorfield, and from now until February nothing occurred to mar the monotony of camp life, save the interminable drilling and sabre grinding which the General imposed upon his men.
Early in February, Major White was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, by the President, and an election was held to fill the vacancy occasioned thereby, which resulted in the choice of Capt. F. M. Myers, of Company A, to be Major of the battalion.
About this time Gen. Lee, through Gen. Jones, ordered White to report to Gen. Jackson, and the following letter from Jackson explains the duty upon which he was to engage while under the orders of “Stonewall:”
“Head-Quarters, 2d Corps, A. N. V.,
“February 5th, 1863.}
“Major—The courier who bears this has an order from Gen. R. E. Lee, through Brig.-Gen. W. E. Jones, directing you with the whole, or part of your battalion, as may be necessary, to report to me for orders.
“The object to be accomplished is explained by the accompanying papers from Gen. Cooper.
“I wish you to take such of your battalion, or the whole of it, if necessary, and arrest the witnesses and send them to Gen. Cooper in Richmond.
“Charge those who may have the securing of them to treat them kindly, unless it should be necessary to do otherwise. Say to the witnesses, it has been thought, that by arresting them, they would not be so likely to be annoyed by the enemy, as if they had only been summoned and gone to Richmond.
“I hope that you will take special pains to see that all of them are safely delivered to Gen. Cooper.