[from the diary of Jonathan Hager of the 14th U.S. Regulars, as copied at a later date]

Early in March /62 orders were received to
repair at once to Washington City.  The regiment
left on the 7th of March & arrived in Washington
the same night & the next day marched to the
ground selected for its encampment on
Meridian Hill
Our fits experience of a soldier’s life
commenced on Meridian Hill.  Orders came
to march immediately into Virginia, destina-
tion Manassas.–They were hailed with delight
by officers & men.  Reveille was beaten at 3 am

MSS 9044