A short time before daylight of the 2d, I went by order of the general commanding, to our picket lines and carefully examined the enemy's lines, wherever a camp-fire indicated their presence.

They were not very vigilant, and I once got close enough to hear them talk, but could understand nothing.

Early in the morning I came in with the rear-guard, the enemy advancing his pickets and main guards only, and making no effort at all to press us.

Once I couldn't resist the temptation to fire into a squad that came bolder than the rest, and the two shots were good ones.

We received a volley in return that did come very close among us, but hurt none of my party.