July 4th. The day we celebrate. At dark last night the boat tied up at Charleston. Went ashore for a while. The town is located on a bluff, which we had to climb to reach it. As we saw it in the dark, it was a dirty looking place. Perhaps because it was a mining town. The boat left at daylight, going on, down the river. The boat being flat bottomed, to sail in shallow water, we came near tipping the thing over as we made a rush to one side, something having attracted our attention. The officers of the boat let out a yell “Trim ship!” and then explained that we must not do such a thing. We got our lesson, the way the boat tipped. We were careful after that.
Having a good time, as the boat goes slowly down the river, taking in all the points of interest. As we are near the Ohio River we pass Point Pleasant, on the Virginia side. Here we leave the Kanawah River and are out on the O-hi-o. Surprised when the boat headed down the river, as we supposed we were going up. After a run down the Ohio, about four miles, we landed at Gallipolis, and were ordered to go ashore. In the early morning, on the Kanawah River, we were allowed to celebrate for a while, by discharging our muskets.
At Gallipolis, Ohio, we were ordered to wait for a larger boat to take us up the river. Here the people were very kind, tried to make our stay happy. I bought a quart tin pail to use, taking the place of the one shot through at the battle of Piedmont. It had a cover, bail handle. Up to this time I had used an old fruit can to make coffee in. While waiting for the boat, conversed with the people, who were very kind to us. Informed us it was reported Hunter’s army was starving in the mountains of West Virginia. He was censured by the people and the press. It was also reported he could have taken Lynchburg, had he got there the day before. That could have been done by not stopping so long at Staunton and Lexington. I often wonder whether a true history of Hunter’s raid to Lynchburg would ever be written and published.
As soon as the large boat arrived we were quickly on board, going up the O-hi-o. This being a holiday, many people were along the banks celebrating. They greeted us with cheers, firing guns. Whenever the boats came near the shores, the people came with baskets, filled with bread, cakes, and pies, and threw to the soldiers. It was laughable to see us catch pies. As our hands caught one, they would generally go to pieces, making many a hearty laugh. The people seemed to enjoy the fun while watching us eat whatever we caught. This trip up the Ohio River is very enjoyable, except when the boat runs aground or sticks on a sand bar. Then we were obliged to wade ashore, and perhaps walk from one to two miles, or until the boat got into deep water. At this time the river is very low. The boat seems to find all the sandbars. Shouting and cheers greet us as we go up the river. The boats carrying the soldiers were overloaded. A memorable trip for the 18th Connecticut Regiment. Owing to the low water, the boat will tie up for the night. The rest and change is very beneficial, also gave us time to talk over the past two months. It am very thankful that I was able to keep my place in the ranks, and not obliged to fall by the wayside. It is claimed we marched over seven ranges of mountains. Passed through four battles, six skirmishes, since we left Martinsburg. At times our suffering has been intense. Feel that we have suffered much for our country.
I am detailed to take charge of the guard for tonight, on board the boat, while tied up to the shore. Guard duty is kept up at all times. At times must act as a sergeant.
