_Sunday, June 14._--We are still encamped on the plains near Warrenton Junction. On the twelfth the regiment was inspected by Captain Armstrong, of Kilpatrick's staff. The following day we had an interesting mounted-drill. We cannot keep idle. This afternoon, at two o'clock, we received orders to prepare to move at a moment's notice. Cannonading is distinctly heard in the direction of Warrenton. For several days it has been expected that General Lee, with his forces, would make his appearance on the banks of the Potomac, somewhere below Harper's Ferry. But as they have failed to do so, the inquiry is very general among us, "Where are they?" and, "What do they intend?" To work out the answer to such interrogations is generally the work of the cavalry; so that, when our orders for readiness to move were received, we saw before us a reconnoissance in force. We understand that already Rebel cavalry is raiding more or less in Maryland, and some exciting times are expected before long. CHAPTER XII. SECOND INVASION OF MARYLAND.--GETTYSBURG. 1863.--Invasion of the Northern States.--Kilpatrick at Aldie.--The Bloody Battle.--Daring Deeds.--Colonel Cesnola, Fourth New York Cavalry.-- Incidents.--Victory.--Advance to Ashby's Gap.--Pleasonton's Official Report.--Rebel Movements on Free Soil.--Difficulties in the North.-- The Cavalry Corps Crosses the Potomac at Edward's Ferry.--General Meade succeeds Hooker.--Orders.--Changes in the Cavalry.--Movements. --Kilpatrick's Fight with Stuart at Hanover Junction.--Solemn and laughable Scenes.--Buford's Division Opens the Fight at Gettysburg. --Death of General Reynolds.--First Bay's Repulse.--Second Bay.-- Rebel Advantages.--Third Bay.--Last Grand Effort.--Death of General Farnsworth.--The Republic just Saved. For nearly two days we were prepared to march, and awaiting orders, when at last they came. At about six o'clock on the morning of the sixteenth we took up our line of march, which was mostly along the railroad in the direction of Manassas. Having arrived at these celebrated plains, we struck off a little to the left towards Centreville, where we arrived at ten o'clock, weary with the long journey. Here we ascertained that General Hooker's headquarters are at Fairfax Court House, or in the vicinity, and that his army covers the approaches to Washington.