September 23d. Called up very early. Marching orders received. Report at Martinsburg, a distance about eighteen miles from Charlestown. The road led along the B. & O. R. R., a very rough road for marching over. We entered the town late this afternoon, making good time but very tired. The town was well deserted, having been occupied by the rebels. Our regiment, the first to enter after the enemy left. Marched through the town to the south side. Go into camp in the Faulkner’s woods, owned by Charles J. Faulkner, a leading Virginia secessionist, one who did much damage to the Union people in this part of Virginia. Faulkner and his son went south, casting their lots with the Confederacy. His wife and daughter remained at home to hold the large plantation and property. The home was a great resort, from all accounts, for Union officers, who were entertained there. Much valuable information went south from that home. So it was always reported by the Union people in Martinsburg. I put in many hours on picket duty in those woods, while stationed in Martinsburg and vicinity.
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.
September 22d. This morning prisoners began to show up. They were guarded from here to Harper’s Ferry by a portion of our regiment, who relieved the cavalry escort, or guard. Our boys joking with them. Some of them we had been up against at Lynchburg, during Hunter’s raid. The wagon trains have left here, going on to Harper’s Ferry. Nothing for us to do here. Reported late tonight we leave here in the morning.
September 21st. Pleasant, quiet morning in our camp. Nothing special to cause any alarm. Waiting and wondering what’s coming, as the wagon train is slowly leaving. Was somewhat surprised, when ordered into line, to hear Colonel Ely read his resignation as colonel of the 18th Regiment, he having been in the service for three years and six months. At this time I am fourth corporal, acting first sergeant, so greatly reduced is our company and regiment.
September 20th. Great excitement and talk among our boys over Sheridan’s great victory. It is now our gallant Phil Sheridan who is master of the Shenandoah Valley. Early has run up against a good soldier who has the men at his command. Too small a force has been in the valley for the past three years. Sheridan has a good cavalry corps, just what is needed here. We cheer and sing for our gallant Phil Sheridan. Keep a good watch for the large number of wagons, horses, and mules parked at this point. That’s our duty, to care for them.
September 19th. Roused up at daylight by heavy cannonading in the direction of Winchester. The battle was on. Those of us who were off duty, with some of the towns-people, went to the top of a high hill to listen to the roar of musketry and the field guns. It was something frightful as it continued. We were ordered to hold ourselves ready to fall in at any moment. The inhabitants as well as the soldiers wore an anxious look as the battle was on. After a time the firing ceased and we began to wonder how the battle was going on. Later we heard it again but knew from the sound that it was farther away. Then we began to rejoice and the inhabitants, with a sad face, went to their homes. Late in the afternoon the news came that Early was routed and was fleeing up the valley. Then our boys began to wish that we were in it. Sheridan placed us at Charlestown to guard and care for the wagon train. It is not our fault to miss the battle.
September 18th. Relieved from picket. Late in the day long wagon trains passed through town, some being parked here. Those passing on went to Harper’s Ferry. Things begin to take on a mysterious look which created much comment and talk among the boys. Either a battle was coming or Sheridan was to fall back. We had heard that Early was holding a strong position between the towns of Berryville and Winchester. All is quiet with us tonight.
September 17th. Pleasant morning. Detailed for picket duty. Located northeast of town, between the Harper’s Ferry Pike and the Shenandoah River, on the ground where old John Brown was hung in 1859. About noontime saw a company of cavalrymen come flying down the pike from Harper’s Ferry. Wondered what it meant. Later we learned that General Grant and General Sheridan were in town. Caused much excitement and comment as they held a conference at a large house just southeast of town. The company I saw from our picket post was General Grant and his escort. All is quiet tonight.
September 16th. All is quiet in camp and on picket duty. General Sheridan and the main part of the army are near Winchester. Long wagon trains with supplies pass through town, to and from the main army. Must be kept well guarded. Guerillas are liable to attack the trains at most any point and time. One can get a good view of the valley and surrounding country from the mountains and hills.
September 15th. Weather fine. At this time duty is light in our camp near this town. Getting all the comfort we can out of our soldier life. Writing many letters to friends in good old Connecticut.
September 14th. A quiet morning in our camp. Resting and trying to get a little comfort out of life. Talking and living over our service during the past year, not forgetting our unfortunate comrades who were killed and wounded, prisoners. The life of a soldier in war is a severe and sad one. Wonderful what men can endure.
