West speaks of leaving winter camp, and of his recent duties as Judge Advocate. Describes a visit to the Union signal station atop Pony Mountain near Culpeper, Virginia, where he encounters Grant: "It was the first time I ever saw him. I was not disappointed. He has a look of immense determination and force about his face." Now back with the 1st New York Dragoons, West mentions that 240 men in the regiment are currently dismounted.