_Tuesday, July 9._--A sad accident occurred to-day. At section drill, through some unknown cause, a limber-chest of Lieut. Vaughan's section, filled with cartridges, exploded, while the gunner Morse, and privates Bourne and Freeman were mounted. They were thrown some twenty feet up in the air. Morse and Bourne died within the space of an hour. Freeman, being badly injured, recovered after a lingering sickness. Two drivers were slightly wounded, and two horses injured. We escorted the bodies of Morse and Bourne to the depot, to be sent to Rhode Island.
_Thursday, July 11._--Grand review before President Lincoln, Gens. Scott and Fremont. Salutes were fired.
_Monday, July 15._--Great excitement in camp; order was received to get ready for a forward movement; ammunition packed; haversacks and canteens were issued.
_Tuesday, July 16._--The morning of that day found us marching across the Long Bridge, directly through Fort Runyon, on the Virginia side; did not march over seven miles; after which we formed in line of battle and prepared to camp for the night, this being the first night in the open air. All quiet during the night.
_Wednesday, July 17._--Resumed our march soon after break of day, and entered Fairfax Court House, contrary to our expectations, towards one o'clock, at mid-day, the rebels having evacuated the town shortly before our entrance. Their rear guard could be plainly seen some distance off. Our battery formed in park near the court house. Some of the boys were very lucky in finding a good dinner served on a table in one of the houses, besides some articles of value, undoubtedly belonging to some confederate officers. Some picket firing during the night.
_Thursday, July 18._--Advance at daylight. A part of the Union army, Gen. Tyler's troops, engaged. This conflict the rebels call battle of Bull Run. While the contest was raging, our division halted two miles to the left of Fairfax Court House, at a place called Germantown. We could plainly hear the distant booming of artillery, and were impatiently waiting for the order, "forward." Towards four o'clock P. M., we advanced again; preparations were made to get in action; sponge buckets filled with water, and equipments distributed among the cannoniers. But when we approached Centreville, intelligence came that our troops got worsted and the contest was given up. Our division went to camp within a mile and a half of Centreville. Strong picket lines were drawn up.
