August 14th. This morning finds us still in line near Cedar Creek, and skirmish firing continues, but we are reminded that every battle kills a soldier, some one’s dear friend killed, as we see them brought in from the skirmish line. We continue to watch one another from the hills. Sometimes the enemy will run [...]
August 13th. Early this morning our regiment took position in line, having been relieved from picket and skirmish duty. We can see the enemy over on the hills near Strasburg. Skirmish fighting is kept up between the lines during the day. We watch one another from the hills. Both sides open up once in a [...]
August 12th. When near the enemy we are always routed out very early in the morning before daylight, in line to guard against a surprise. A hot dry morning. On the march across country. At noon, stopped near Cedar Creek for rations and a rest. Soon we began to advance in line, to the left [...]
August 11th. Early on the march. A hot dry morning. Passed on through Berryville, pushing south through open lots and woods. Skirmishing on the extreme right, at Stony Point. A hot, hard, day’s march. Suffered very much for water. After marching about twenty miles, late tonight came to a halt near a large spring. Many [...]
August 10th. A hot morning. Marching orders came early, to be ready to march at the report of a signal gun. It will be our first movement under the command of General Sheridan. The advance is in three grand divisions, the 19th Corps on the right, the 6th center, the 8th on the left along [...]
August 9th. Pleasant morning. Camp near the river. Just at this time we are taking life easy. The boys wade the river, taking long tramps through the lots, up the mountain sides. Don’t seem to have any fear of the guerillas who are said to be in the mountains. Perhaps they don’t wish to make [...]
August 8th. General Phil Sheridan takes command. Reported he will organize a large force in the valley. I witnessed the cavalry corps as they passed along the tow path, along the canal. Marching orders. Again on through Harper’s Ferry, along the Shenandoah River. After marching about eight miles, came to a halt near Halltown, on [...]
August 7th. A very hot morning. Early in the Potomac River for a good swim. Nothing like it. At the Quartermaster’s I drew an army hat. The first I ever had. They are worn by the western boys. Much better than caps. Trying to keep cool during this hot day. Wrote a few letters. Mountains [...]
August 6th. Anniversary of my enlistment. Two years in the service. Rain this morning. Marching orders came early. Left camp, crossed the Monocacy River and the B. & O. R. R. Roads very muddy. Hard marching as we go up and down hills. On over South Mountain, descending into the Pleasant Valley. After marching about [...]
August 5th. Early this morning had a good swim, after which I lay down under a large tree near the river. Had a good nap and rest. Then wrote a few letters. Very late in the afternoon orders came to fall in and form line. We marched into a large open field and formed three [...]
August 4th. Fine morning. Had an early swim in the good clean waters of the Monocacy River. Later hunted up some bait, sat under a large tree to try my luck at fishing. Always keep a hook and line by me. Had very good luck. Dressed the fish at the river, went back to the [...]
August 3d. Called out very early this morning. Left camp and on the march at 3 A. M. Enjoying the march through this fine country. After a time we began to ascend the mountains. Said to be the South Mountains. A fine view of the surrounding country. Peaceful and quiet. The inhabitants along the line [...]
August 2d. A fine morning. All is quiet in camp. Found a place where I could wash my clothes and dry them. Drew rations. Am feeling fine. A hot sun and dusty roads to march over, a fellow cannot keep very clean. Having a good rest in the good cool woods. We cannot help to [...]
August 1st. Cloudy, muggy morning. After a good night’s rest, am feeling fine. Early on the march. After a march, about four miles, came to a halt on a road leading through woodland of very large trees. Later we camp in the woods, near the town of Wolfsville, Maryland. A report has reached us that [...]
July 31st. Sunday morning, but hot and dusty. Early on the march. About 9 A. M. we marched through Middletown, a fine place. There are many people in this town, dressed in their good clothes, watching us as we pass on, a dusty crowd. They all have a sad look in their faces. Keep very [...]
July 30th. This morning opens up very hot. Having a rest. Trying to break in my new shoes. A bad job for the feet, which are very sore. Early this afternoon, marching orders received. Confederate cavalry reported to be raiding into Pennsylvania and upper Maryland. Ordered to make a forced march. Fearful hot as we [...]
July 28th. Pleasant Valley. All one can see from this point is mountains, trees, grass, the Potomac River, great flocks of turkey buzzards sailing through the air. About noontime orders came to fall in for a march. Our march led back over the river road, through Sandy Hook, on over the railroad bridge, through Harper’s [...]
July 27th. Up early this hot morning. On the march along the river road, going south. Nothing important has taken place since we waded the river at Williamsport. After a march of about six miles we came to the Maryland Heights. Passing on down, the road runs along beside the Ohio and Chesapeake Canal. Opposite [...]
July 26th. Called up early this morning. Wade the Potomac River over into Maryland. Marching on down the river road, across the Burnside Bridge, over Antietam Creek and the battlefield, passing the Dunker Church, located in the woods on the right. The rail fences were riddled with bullet holes, showing how fierce the battle must [...]
July 25th. Bunker Hill. A very severe rain storm set in last night. We are wet through. Orders to march on to Martinsburg. My feet keep me reminded of the rough roads, stubs and briers in the lots. We reach Martinsburg after a march of ten miles. After holding the enemy in check for a [...]
July 24th. Sunday morning, Kearnstown, hot. Ordered out into line early for inspection. Instead orders came to advance. Hot skirmishing began right off. Our regiment placed at the right of the line, west side of the pike. Colonel Mulligan with his division form the left of the line. Our position is on high ground where [...]
July 23d. Routed out early this morning. Picket firing has commenced. Our boys are driving the enemy. We advance in line of battle for quite a distance through the open lots, coming to a halt at Kearnstown, going right at work digging rifle pits and throwing up earthworks. Our regiment ordered out on the skirmish [...]
July 22d. Early on the march. After a march of about five miles, passed through the town of Berryville. A raid was made on bee-hives that looked inviting near the town. Honey for a change. The boys could eat most anything. Pushing on along the Winchester Pike, fording the Opequon Creek and a wide brook, [...]
July 21st. The sun came up this morning bright and warm. The morning finds us in the same woods where we passed the night. A foraging party, sent out last night from our regiment, returned with flour, bacon, hams. The officers appropriated the best sugar-cured hams. Late in the night the hams were taken from [...]
July 20th. Called up early, this hot, muggy morning. The 6th Corps early on the move. Watching them cross the Shenandoah River at Snicker’s Ford. No enemy in sight. We follow on after the 6th Corps. As we wade the river I think it was never known to rain harder. We were soaked from head [...]