I returned again to F. de H in April '64 with no one but my old mother 74 years of age. Everything changed. Servants gone except a few faithful ones. Gen. Grant crossed from River-Edge after his defeat at Cold Harbor. One afternoon in June I saw a flag flashing from a high staff across the river & signalling Fort Powhatan. That night men were busy felling trees to cut a vista to communicate with the troops at Harrisons Landing. Next morning Col. Stafford of Fort P. called to ask if I had heard anything the night before. I told him of the foot steps & ringing axes. He gave no explanation -- said I should not be disturbed but would soon have more company than I had seen for a long time. By ten o'clock, steamers were bringing troops to Windmill Point. They marched through some promising cornfields. I sent a note asking them to keep to the road. The Captain laughed & said "tell the lady her orders shall be obeyed!" By night the farm was covered with soldiers, tents, batteries, horses & wagons -- such a sight -- I had never witnessed before --