June 22nd. In camp late last night after a long hard march. A good night’s rest. The ground for a bed and the sky for a covering. Sadly in need of rations. On the march pass the ruins of many army wagons being burned up to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy. Many horses and mules are giving out, drop for the lack of feed and rest. It is hard pulling those wagons over these rough mountain roads. All horses and mules that cannot be driven or led are shot to prevent the enemy from getting them, as all they need is rest and feed for most of them. War is a cruel thing. I wish it was over.
In conversation, while on the march, with Captain Meigs, Engineer Corps, he thought we ought to break up the gang of guerillas following in the rear. Asked us boys if we were ready to fight them, the answer was yes. Many are dropping out by the roadside, too weak and used up. Reported we march from ten to thirty-five miles a day. Clothing and shoes giving out. Very little forage can be found in these mountains and valleys. Our route takes us over the Potts Mountains, very high. Our suffering is intense, as many are barefooted.
Just at dark we reach the town of New Castle and go into camp for the night.
Thankful that we are to get a night’s rest. Two of our company found a bag of flour. It was portioned out to each member. Mixed with water we had pan-cakes (toe-jam). We have plenty of coffee, no sugar. A little coffee goes a good ways. Some of our boys stole a bag of coffee from General Sullivan’s headquarters. He was our division commander. Of course it could not be found, as it found its way in many haversacks.