August 24th. Routed out before daylight. Our brigade ordered outside the intrenchments to charge and drive the enemy out of the woods, also to burn a number of haystacks behind which the enemy kept reserves. As we started on the charge they fell back to their main line at Charlestown. The sharpshooters came out of the trees in a hurry. Later, orders came for us to return inside the intrenchments, taking our position. The enemy followed slowly on after us, taking their old position, but not behind the haystacks, which had gone up in smoke.
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.
August 23d. Sun shining bright this morning. Skirmishing firing began at daylight. A number of the enemy’s sharpshooters are up in high trees. They annoy us very much. Not safe to show one’s head above the rifle pits. Saw General Sheridan pass quickly along the line, just as a shell dropped inside our intrenchments. No damage from it, as it exploded just beyond our line. We are on the watch, as the skirmishers are kept very busy.
August 22d. Early on the march. Passed through Charlestown. Pushing on, after a march of about six miles, came to a halt at Halltown. A line of battle was soon formed under a hot fire from the enemy. Go right at work building intrenchments made of logs and dirt. The strongest we were ever behind. Hot skirmishing going on. Rain and darkness put a stop to the firing. Trying to get sleep under arms, ready for an attack at night.
August 21st. This morning opens up bright and fine. Early we go on the march. Cross the Smithfield road, southwest of Charlestown. Line of battle formed. Ordered to intrench by digging rifle pits. Working while under a heavy fire, solid shot and shells dropping all around us. The enemy was forced to retire. This battle was at Smithfield and the Opequon Creek. We are waiting for orders. While waiting, surprised to receive a large mail for our regiment. We put in a hard day, digging rifle pits under fire and battle, changing position at double-quick time. The brunt of the battle was fought by our cavalry.
August 20th. No rain this morning, very cloudy. Keeping quiet in the woods. Late this afternoon, marching orders. Marching on towards Charlestown. The enemy must be near. Halt near the town on the Berryville Pike. Reported we remain here for the night. Very cloudy. Nothing important has taken place. All is quiet.
August 19th. Rain all night and this morning. Camp located a few miles south of Charlestown. Lieutenant Hinkley, Company I, returned today having recovered from wounds. Edwin S. Fitch promoted to sergeant in our company, C. Pleasing to all of us. A very stormy day in the life of a soldier.
August 18th. Rain came during the night and this morning. While we do not like to get wet, it is welcome. Will lay the dust, provided there is not too much, to make mud. Again on the march. Left Berryville by way of the Charlestown Pike. After a march of about six miles, came to a halt in woods, a field of corn nearby furnished us with plenty to boil and roast. Rain continues. All is quiet tonight in camp.
August 17th. This morning finds us at Winchester after an all night’s march. The night was hot. Did not have the hot sun beating down upon us. The return march was slow. After a few hours’ rest and something to eat, pushed on to Berryville, east of Winchester. Reached there at night, tired out. A march of thirty miles from Cedar Creek. The enemy following on after us. Orders to remain here over night. Owing to the hot dry weather, the brooks and creeks are dry, no wading.
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.
August 15th. This morning finds us still in line near Cedar Creek. Not much firing along the skirmish line. Sometimes both sides seem to get tired of the continual popping of the guns and cease firing. A large mail came for our regiment. Wrote a few letters to friends at home. All is quiet tonight near Cedar Creek.
