[from the diary of Eugene M. Cox, Albemarle Border Guards]

10 1/2 A.M. Up at daybreak this morning and got early breakfast–at 8 got orders to pack up baggage, strike tents and put the same on wagons to be sent east of “Little Sewell”–enemy is approaching and we shall meet him soon. We have already fired four cannons at him–and are still firing–our advance have been engaged with the enemy all the morning–9 P.M. Enemy retired to the top of the mountain before noon–he has made no other forward movement up to this hour–is understood to be trying to flank us and has evidently secured re-inforcements to-day–all quiet here now–Genl. Lee arrived here this evening with four or five regiment to assist the Legion–in the womb of a short future important events now slumber–

MSS 38-211