In a short time after the arrival of the infantry, Colonel Johnson had assembled the whole of the Maryland Line at the Junction, and immediately proceeded to establish his lines and erect winter quarters. The beautiful situation selected was soon cleared, trees were felled, and in a little while villages were reared that would have done credit to more experienced builders. After having done everything possible to contribute to their bodily comfort for the winter, they turned their attention to something of a spiritual nature, and soon, under the direction of their “fighting parson,” the Reverend Mr. Cameron, a neat and substantial little chapel graced the grounds. The winter, and away into spring, was passed here most pleasantly, and was one ever to be remembered. Scarcely a week went by but the camp was enlivened by the appearance of throngs of lady acquaintances from Richmond and the surrounding country, and by the management of that most estimable of women, Mrs. Bradley Johnson, parties, concerts, and balls were frequently gotten up. These were largely attended, and for the time the cares and privations of the field were forgotten. And then on the Sabbath day it was truly an interesting sight to see the gallant fellows escorting the fair damsels of the neighborhood to their little church to listen to the word of God. But things cannot always be as we would wish, for about the first of March, 1864, the peace and quiet of their camp was invaded by a rumor that the Yankee cavalry under Kilpatrick was coming down upon them. Instant preparations were made to give them a reception. The infantry was not brought into requisition, but taking the cavalry and two pieces of artillery Colonels Johnson and Brown harrassed them for days, a detailed account of which will be found in the operations of the cavalry. After the raid of Kilpatrick everything went on as before, and weeks glided by in this delightful place almost imperceptibly. About the 10th of May, by General Order No. 38, A. I. G. Office, General Arnold Elzey was ordered to Staunton to recruit and receive transferred Marylanders from other commands, and it was for a time hoped that the Maryland Line would be much increased in numbers, and in the future kept intact. But in this they were disappointed, for the men, now accustomed to their officers, and having made their associations where they were, preferred to remain. But few were, therefore, added to the little command. This failure to increase the numbers of the Line necessitated the distribution of the several commands to other bodies, and never after did they operate together. Colonel Johnson was ordered to the command of a cavalry brigade in Early’s army in the Valley, and took the cavalry with him. The artillery was also ordered to report to Early soon after the battle of Cold Harbor, whilst the infantry was assigned to Breckinridge, as will be seen.