which had nearly involved us in a serious battle. It is said there was serious reason to apprehend a disturbance, owing to a want of regular supply of provisions. And it must be owned that the regiment was composed of such rascally materials as to be easily blown into a flame. Our camp was alarmed; orders for every officer to leave town, and repair instantly to camp, for every dragoon to saddle his horse, and dress himself complete, lay on his arms, and be ready to mount at a moment's warning. One squadron, under Major Williams, were ordered out, and lay on the road all night, with a design to intercept those, if any, who should attempt to desert; happy, however, it was, that no serious consequence ensued. Much blame fell on Gov. Mifflin; he was charged with being in a shameful state of intoxication, and was obliged publicly to ask pardon of some officers and make that excuse.
9th. General orders for marching, and the final arrangement of the commanders, made Gov. Lee, commander-in-chief, Gov. Mifflin next, Gov. Howell next, Gen. White commander of the horse in chief. This day was the first I was able to go out to make any preparations for my camp equipage, and I was mortified to find everything engaged, almost, that I wanted. The cavalry ordered to march to-morrow.
10th. The Philadelphia horse, McPherson's blues and a number of other corps were formed into a legion, to be put under the command of Gen. Frelinghuysen, to lead the van of the army. This corps began their march and was reviewed, with a critical eye, by the President. They were followed by the train of artillery, and were to have been followed by the Jersey horse, but by some mistake or other the wagons for transporting our baggage were not provided. This default was severely censured by the President. Our march was, therefore, put off until to-morrow. In my observation of yesterday, I neglected to mention that a deputation from the people from the other side of the mountains, came to wait upon the President to prevent, if possible, the march of the troops into their country. This committee consisted of the damned scoundrel Finley, who most certainly was the first founder of the opposition to law in the four western counties, and of a Mr. Reddick. The materials in part were so bad that but little could be expected. The President received them; coldly told them he was determined to see the laws executed, if there was energy enough in the United States to do it; that what they said of the disposition of the people to return to order did not appear; that he was now at the head of one of the finest armies he had ever commanded, and that he could have as many more as he pleased, and shortly, that he was determined to march the army to the seat of rebellion, and told them, if they met with the least resistance, he would not answer for the consequences. This stern reply seemed to discompose the old villain, and to please every federalist. We have now an army from all parts, among whom are a great number of men in the first fortunes in the ranks.
11th. This day we paraded for marching; was joined by the Pennsylvania horse, and after saluting the President, marched on to Mount Rock.
