It was a most welcome order which transferred them to Virginia, and to the shady and delightful camping-ground which I have described in a former article (Introductory).  An order to join the forces about to engage in the battle of Manassas was countermanded on account of a movement of the enemy which resulted in the “affair” at “Bethel Church.”  They remained upon the Peninsula under General McGruder, who was successfully holding McClellan in check by appearing at every point assailed by the Federals.

“The forces under General McGruder were the only obstacle in McClellan’s road to Richmond.

“Under these circumstances, McGruder, with superb rashness, threw out his whole force as skirmishers, along a line of nine or ten miles.

“The Dreux Battalion bore a conspicuous part in all the operations of this campaign.”  Later, the battalion went into winter quarters.

Because I wish to contrast the condition of these men during the first part of their service and when, later, they encountered inconceivable hardships and deprivations, I will here give entire a letter from one of the battalion, kindly placed at my disposal, describing the “house-warming” which was given when they moved into winter quarters on the Peninsula: 

  “CAMP RIGHTOR, November 29, 1861.

“I received yours of the 14th a few days since, and the 20th yesterday, both of which I will answer in one.  The half-barrel of sugar was received long since, as you will see by looking over my letter to you about three weeks ago.  The sugar came through in good order, also the white sugar, medicine, and coffee; the latter we use sparingly, mixing it with wheat,—­one-third coffee and two-thirds wheat.  The wheat does not seem to change the flavor in the least.  Sweet potatoes are also used in camp in place of coffee,—­you dry it, then parch and grind it; we have not tried that method yet on account of the scarcity of potatoes.  All our cabins are finished at last; the tents are used no more to sleep in.  Our house-warming has taken place.  We made about ten gallons of egg-nog for the occasion; we used about six dozen eggs.  Walton’s mess was over, and a good many from the rifles; various members from both companies of the guards.  Also the major, doctor, adjutant, and Lieutenant Dunn, Grivot Guards.  They say it was the best nog they ever drank; the house was crowded.  The nog gave out, and we had to produce the jug.  If we had had our sick messmate from Williamsburg, we would have had noise (Noyes) all night, but as it was it only lasted until one o’clock.  Everybody in camp seemed to be trying to make more noise than his neighbor.  Beard told us next day that it was a very well-conducted affair, that everything passed off so quietly with so much nog as that.  He evidently went to bed early after he left us.  I saw Posey yesterday, he was looking badly, seeming to have been troubled with the chills for some time.  Since it has