We were all ready for the order to move when it came, March 14th, 1863, for we were thoroughly tired of lying here doing nothing, and all were anxious to engage in the real business of war. On the morning of the 15th we started towards Winchester and marched twenty-one miles, encamping just east of Blue Gap. While passing through the Gap a terrific thunder storm burst upon us, the rain falling in perfect sheets, drenching us to the skin. It was certainly a wild and beautiful sight, the mountains rising on either side to a considerable heights, the lightening flashing, as it appeared, from crag to crag, the thunder reverberating down the sides of clifts, caused a feeling of awe to creep over every heart; but the sun soon burst out in all its splendor, and dispelled the gloom as with a magicians wand. It was here we received the order that only the top rail of the fences should be taken for fire wood; of course the order was construed that we shouldn’t take the bottom one, and was therefore strictly carried out. We encamped near a meadow and the stacks of hay still standing in the field were chiefly converted into fodder for the horses, and bedding for the boys. Very soon the camp-kettles were steaming and supper prepared, after which all lay down and enjoyed a refreshing sleep, such as those only can appreciate who have been similarly situated. The next day we were on the march bright and early, encamping at night at Hayfield Church, fourteen miles from the start of the morning, on the finest ground we had yet occupied as a camp, and near several springs of clear, cold water. We arrived in Winchester the next day, March 17th, and went into camp on the hill near the old fort, where we remained for several days, finally changing to a park near the Rebel burying ground, a splendid camping ground, which the boys fully appreciated. On the 4th of April we had Division Review, our regiment being second best as to general condition and drill. April 22d, we went on a scout up the valley as far as Strasburg, our cavalry having a little tilt with the enemy, but nothing decisive resulted. On the next day we returned to Winchester with thirty prisoners. On the 25th we again started up the valley, the next day arriving at Wardonsville, distant thirty-one miles. On the way we passed the celebrated Capon Springs, a beautiful place, reopened since the war.