A day or two since, near nightfall, three troopers, weary and worn, halted at Stewart’s house and craved food and rest for themselves and horses. Stewart, supposing them to be Confederate soldiers, declared he had nothing they wanted, and that he was destitute of every description of refreshments. They said they were sorry for it, as it was a long ride to Fredericksburg.
“Are you Union soldiers?” asked Stewart, quickly.
“Yes,” said they, “and we are on scouting duty.”
“Come in! Come in! I have everything you want!” cried Stewart, and when they entered he embraced them.
A sumptuous repast was soon on the table, but the soldiers refused to eat! Surprised at this, Stewart demanded the reason; the troopers rose, and said they were Confederate soldiers, and it was their duty to arrest a traitor. They brought him hither. Will he, too, escape merited punishment?
May 3d.—I fear there is something in the rumor that Norfolk and Portsmouth and Yorktown and the Peninsula will be given up. The Secretaries of War and Navy are going down to Norfolk.
May 4th.—The Yankees on the Peninsula mean to fight. Well, that is what our brave army pants for.
May 5th.—The prospect of battle produces a joyous smile on every soldier’s face to-day.
May 6th, 7th.—We have not yet reached the lowest round of the ladder. The Secretary is at Norfolk, and the place is to be evacuated. I would resign first.
May 8th.—Norfolk and Portsmouth are evacuated! Our army falling back! The Merrimac is to be, or has been, blown up!