by John Beauchamp Jones
JULY 8TH.—Clear; hot and dusty.
The news of the falling back of Gen. Johnston onAtlanta,Ga., causes no uneasiness, for the destruction ofSherman’s army is deemed the more certain the farther he penetrates.
There is nothing of interest fromPetersburg, but there are rumors of demoralization and disaffection in Grant’s army. His men suffer for water.
Still we get no letters from the South, beyond the point on the Danville Railroad reached by the raiders, who tore up 18 miles of the track.
We have nothing definite from Early’s column yet, but no doubt there is alarm enough inPennsylvania and inWashingtonCity by this time.
Kingston, Friday, July 8. Went to graze in a different direction this morning, being warned by citizen that guerrillas were prowling around to pick up our horses where we went before. Disappointed when I returned in not finding any mail. Day was very, very hot. Camp is in just the place for such weather, cool air always. Took a walk to town in the evening with D. Evans. Talked with prisoners.
July 8th. A bright morning in the mountains. Up to last evening we were two hundred miles from Parkersburg. At nine o’clock this morning we arrived at Cumberland after a very slow journey. We are now in Maryland. A great coal mining country. Here we left the cars. Could not proceed any farther, the rebels having destroyed the railroad on beyond this place. Many bridges cross the mountain streams. Later in the day we march on to Cherry Run. Go into camp. Reported that the enemy, in strong force, are at Martinsburg. Late this P. M. I am detailed for picket duty.
