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 is Harper’s Ferry. Here we stop for rest and rations, making coffee from the water in the canal. After a short rest we continue our march on down the road beside the river and canal, on through Sandy Hook into Pleasant Valley, Maryland, where we go into camp on high ground, overlooking the river and the canal.
Owing to the severe service many of the boys are giving out and are sent to a hospital. I would be all right, only for my feet. This is suffering for one’s country. We are in it to the finish, in spite of what we must endure. I doubt at this time, if any man would take a discharge. I have not seen or heard of any who would. We are all very anxious for the finish, when peace will reign over our fair land. We remain here for the night, but don’t know how much longer.