Rumors, Changes, &c.
— About the excitement of Sunday,
and the orders to be ready to start, I have heard since that the said orders came from some
cautions minor commander, and that the high principalities knew not and thought not of any such
move; which is likely. The rumor and fear here intimated a long circuit by Lee, and flank attack
our right. But I cast my eyes at the mud, which was then at its highest and palmiest condition,
and
retired composedly to rest. Still it is about time for Culpepper to have a change. Authorities have
chased each other here like clouds in a stormy sky. Before the first Bull Run this was the
rendezvous and camp of instruction of the Secession troops. I am stopping at the house of a lady
who has witness'd all the eventful changes of the War, along this route of contending armies. She
is a widow, with a family of young children, and lives here with her sister in a large handsome
house. A number of army officers board with them.
