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Rh carrying a raccoon in his hand; finding Slough, he invited him to his tent to see "how to dress a racoon Indian fashion." Captain Butler joined them, and the three went to General Butler's tent where wine was served. Slough agreed to go out with a party of volunteers, nominally to catch "some of the rascals who might attempt to steal horses." It is plain, whatever the officers may have given as a reason for the scouting expedition, that Slough was sent to feel of the woods—to guard against surprise. His line of men paraded in the firelight before Butler's tent before stealing out beyond the lines. Passing Colonel Oldham's tent, Slough stopped and informed that officer of the detachment and its mission. Colonel Oldham "was lying down with his clothes on" and "requested me not to go, as he was sure my party would be cut off, for, says he, I expect the army will be attacked in the morning; I replied, that as I had received my orders I must go."

Slough led his party through the militia camp and onward about a mile on the