After having remained at Camp Lee some three weeks, I determined to resign my commission, and endeavor, if possible, to raise a company for the field, for I had discovered that a good many young men were coming over from Maryland about that time to go into the army. I found it the most difficult task I had ever undertaken, as most of them preferred the cavalry or artillery to the infantry. However, by great perseverance, and the aid of Captain Richard Winder, about the 20th of December I mustered into the service a company of eighty-five as fine men as ever trod a battle-field. They were principally from the lower counties, and well behaved and intelligent men. With the assistance and influence of Generals Elzey and Winder, I was enabled to arm and equip them well, which I could not have done otherwise, for clothing and the improved arm were at that time in much demand. Having received my orders, on Sunday, the 30th day of December, 1862, with Volandt’s band at the head, I marched my company through the streets of Richmond to the Virginia Central depot, where I took the cars _en route_ for the Valley of Virginia, to join the First Maryland Battalion of Infantry, or as it was afterwards called, to distinguish it from the First Regiment, the Second Infantry. I found it at New Market at daylight on the morning of the 2d of January, upon the eve of marching to Moorefield, on an expedition against the enemy, along with the rest of Jones’ command, to which they were temporarily attached. My men being wearied, I was directed to remain behind and do provost duty until the return of the expedition. It proved a fruitless one, and they returned after a week of great suffering, having been compelled on their march to break the ice and ford the many rapid mountain streams between the two places. For the first time in a good many months I had the pleasure of taking by the hand my old friend and former companion in arms, Major James R. Herbert. I also, to my great delight, found many of the officers and men of the old First in the Battalion, now numbering seven companies, and among the former Captain Wm. H. Murray, Captain John E. Howard, and Lieutenants George Thomas, Clapham Murray, and Zollinger. CHAPTER II. The Second Maryland Infantry, which was destined to take such a brilliant and conspicuous part in the great rebellion, was formed and partially organized in Richmond during the autumn of 1862. To the exertions of Major Herbert, Captains William H. Murray, Ferdinand Duvall, and other officers, the Confederacy was mainly indebted for this splendid command. As I have said, they but partially organized in Richmond, and then proceeded to Winchester, where the organization was perfected and Captain Herbert elected Major.