16th. Tuesday. Marched at daylight. Passed through Berryville, where Moseby burned 40 wagons for the 19th Corps a few days since. Div. Q. M. Cole went to Harper’s Ferry with empty wagons for supplies, leaving the Div. train, etc., under my charge. Moved on the road to Front Royal. Camped about midnight.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Tuesday, 16th—There was a heavy rain this afternoon. All is quiet and there is no train in today from the front. I sold my American lever watch today for $33.50, which is $4.50 more than I paid for it in Davenport, Iowa.
Tuesday, August 16. — Inspector of Prisons was here to-day. He said that we were much better off than the Charleston prisoners. Asked if our rations were sufficient. Had our usual games of cards to-day.
August 16 — We renewed our march this morning, and about middle of the day we arrived at Gordonsville. We are camped this evening one mile west of Gordonsville.
Etowah Bridge, Tuesday, Aug. 16. A heavy uncertainty rested upon the camp all day, no trains from either way. Headquarters expecting an attack at this place momentarily. First piece is in town there awaiting the foe. About 3 P. M. an orderly dashed into camp reporting sixteen regiments of the enemy crossing the river three miles below, but they did not come. Sherman sent 300 muskets back this evening to arm convalescents, etc. Seven hundred head of cattle (the remainder of the drove that the rebs captured at Adairsville) stopped on the flat over night. It is supposed that the rebs will try to destroy the railroad bridge if possible. Notwithstanding war Lieutenant Clark and squad of armed men went out to peach orchard ten miles and returned with a big load of delicious ones. Packed my knapsack preparatory to going South if necessary. Doubtful.
Cedar Creek, Near Strasburg, August 16, 1864.
Darling : — We are still here observing the enemy and skirmishing with him daily. Yesterday with [the] Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth had a very brisk skirmish; lost two killed, twelve wounded. One of [the] color corporals in Twenty-third (Corporal Hughes) killed. We are gaining in strength and spirits daily. Numbers supposed to have been killed at Winchester turn out to be only wounded. . . . Love to all.
Affectionately, ever,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
Aug. 16th. Moved to the left in the morning, and to front at 10 A.M. Our regt. in reserve. 10th corps charged well and took 800 prisoners. We performed several duties during the day. There was hard fighting all day. We lost one man (was taken sick and went to the rear).
August 16th. Line of battle still maintained. The boys are discussing the question of a probable battle at this point. It seems to be a question of watching and waiting. Marching orders received to march back to Winchester tonight. General Sheridan is now in command. Many movements and maneuvers are often made that are puzzling and hard to understand by the average soldier. It is our duty to obey orders and not ask questions. Our Corps, the 8th, also known as the Army of West Virginia, the Mountain Creepers, Foot Cavalry, and the Buzzards, so called by its making so many forced marches over the mountains and valleys of Virginia.
by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 16TH.—Warm and cloudy.
There are movements of interest of the armies below, from the fact that we have as yet no authentic account of the fighting during the last few days. I fear we have not been so successful as usual.
The enemy is reported to be in force on this side (north) of the river, and marching toward this city. The local (clerks) troops have been called out to man the fortifications. But the blow (if one really be meditated) may fall on the other (south) side of the river.
Col. Moseby has taken 200 of the enemy near Berryville, burning 75 wagons, and capturing 600 horses and mules. His loss trifling.
