September 11, cont.

I have always wanted a speedy engagement in order to try myself...[but] not because I like fighting.
?
But now it is a different feeling, the same that everybody else has, that the greatest happiness is to be ordered over the river & that we should be awfully indignant if they get through a battle without us. I suppose...we...think every thing listless & humdrum except fighting...

?? Whatever.