Golding describes route taken from Fort Hamilton, New York to Fortress Monroe, Virginia with stops at Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.; regiment under Gen. Sykes' brigade; camps near Hampton, Virginia; drills often, and out of money; moves camp to Big Bethel, Virginia, and then to Camp Marion, Virginia; describes vigilant atmosphere in camps; marches to Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia; strict orders for silence; feels slighted when regiment did not receive four months pay; Confederate shell almost hit him; marches toward Richmond; in charge of guarding wagons; joins regiment a week later at Cumberland Landing; takes over Hanover Courthouse; engages Confederates in battle on road to Mechanicsville; retreats three miles; attests to Zouaves' skill; retreats to Savages Station; marches through White Oak Swamp, Virginia; needs water and sleep; marches across Malvern Hills; retreats from battle; next day advances in battle; writes letter home but can not send it until he arrives at Harrison's Landing.