Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.

July 22d. Early on the march. After a march of about five miles, passed through the town of Berryville. A raid was made on bee-hives that looked inviting near the town. Honey for a change. The boys could eat most anything. Pushing on along the Winchester Pike, fording the Opequon Creek and a wide brook, entered Winchester from the east. Passed through the main street, out on the Strasburg Pike, came to a halt at the Union Mills, about four miles from Winchester, having marched about fifteen miles. For rations tonight we had pancakes (toe-jam) and honey, brought from Berryville. From observations we think we are near the enemy. It don’t take us long to catch on. We watch the movements of the Signal Corps. They seem to have plenty of work when the enemy is near. The 6th Corps has left us, having been ordered to Washington. Only the 8th Corps left here. Greatly reduced in numbers owing to its severe duty for the past three months. Reported that General Early and his forces are still in the valley, and they number about thirty thousand.

July 21st. The sun came up this morning bright and warm. The morning finds us in the same woods where we passed the night. A foraging party, sent out last night from our regiment, returned with flour, bacon, hams. The officers appropriated the best sugar-cured hams. Late in the night the hams were taken from the officers’ mess. No one seemed to know what became of them. Officers put up a great kick, were mad through and through. Of course the boys were all innocent. Punishment was in store for the rascals who stole the hams. A fine nice piece found its way into my haversack. I did not put it there but thought I could guess who did. I did not ask any questions. It sure was good to eat.

I visited the river to take a look at the place where we crossed during the battle of the 18th. Thought it another case of mismanagement, although it did seem at times that men must be sacrificed in order to find out the plans and location of the enemy. No troops should have crossed that river at the time without being well supported. That was the way we felt about it. The bed of the river was the grave of some of our boys. Marching orders for early tomorrow morning. Hope to get a good night’s rest.

July 20th. Called up early, this hot, muggy morning. The 6th Corps early on the move. Watching them cross the Shenandoah River at Snicker’s Ford. No enemy in sight. We follow on after the 6th Corps. As we wade the river I think it was never known to rain harder. We were soaked from head to foot. Crossing the river we filed to the right, going down the river into camp on the battlefield of the 18th, two days before. Looking over the field we were surprised to see that the enemy had not decently buried our dead who fell into their hands. Our boys gave them a decent burial.

Camp in the woods that were occupied by the enemy during the battle. Raining very hard. We build a large campfire which helps to keep us more comfortable during the night.

July 18th. Up and early on the march this fine morning. Pushing on to the south in the direction of Snicker’s Gap, Blue Ridge Mountains, eighteen miles south of Harper’s Ferry. We cannot tell what an hour may bring forth. As we approach Snicker’s Gap we came to a halt. Here we meet a part of the 6th Corps, Army of the Potomac, and a division under Colonel Mulligan, the Colonel of the 23d Illinois Regiment. After a few hours’ halt up the side of the mountains came orders to advance slowly through Snicker’s Gap. Then proceeded slowly down the west side of the mountains on towards the Shenandoah River. A battle seems to be imminent. Ordered to wade the river. At that point the river was waist deep. When over, a line was quickly formed. Ordered to lie down, our clothes being wet. Before our division was all over, the enemy made a furious attack on us from the woods, in our front and on our right. Our regiment had the extreme right of the line. We fought them desperately and were losing many of our boys. We held on as we expected help from the 6th Corps and Mulligan’s division, which did not come. We saw plainly the enemy massing a large force on our right, as our regiment was holding that point. Our Colonel saw the dangerous position that we were trying to hold and no prospect of help, ordered left face, and to re-cross the river under a galling fire of musketry and cannon. It was a fearful thing to re-cross that river, as it was deep in places. Some of our boys who were wounded, drowned as they attempted to re-cross before reaching the ford, or the place where we crossed. In this battle it was claimed the rebs used explosive bullets on us. The opposite bank where I crossed was about eight feet high, very slippery, made so by the men who had climbed up before me. As I made my way almost to the top of the bank, pulling myself up by the bushes, an explosive bullet struck near me. The report and the fire from it caused me to loose my hold on the bushes and slip down the bank into the river. At that time I thought I was a goner. Soaking wet, I made another attempt to reach the top of the bank and was successful.

We were then forced to ascend through a large open field under fire. Shot and shell flew furiously. General Wright finally ordered a battery into position to protect us. As seen by the men in the ranks, it was strange that a small force was ordered over that river to cope with Early’s force, and the 6th Corps near by.

Camp tonight at Snicker’s Gap with the 6th Corps. Discussed the events of the day. Discouraged and mad, saying hard things about General Wright, Commander of the 6th Corps. Some things are hard to understand in the life of a soldier.

July 19th. This hot morning finds us at Snicker’s Gap. Everything quiet. The enemy on one side of the river and we the other. Both armies where we see one another. Later in the day batteries were put in position on both sides, and occasionally open fire on one another. One shell from the enemy seemed to go farther than any other, as I saw it explode in the ranks of the 6th Corps. Several were wounded. They were over a hill and supposed to be out of range of the enemy. The batteries in position make us feel a little uneasy. Don’t know when a shell may come over our way, for we are in plain sight of the enemy. Night coming on finds us at Snicker’s Gap. Hope for a quiet night, a good rest, and sleep.

July 17th. Sunday morning. Late last night we were ordered to march. Estimated we marched about five miles, when we came to a halt in a wooded field. Fine large trees. During the night we heard the rattling of the wheels of artillery and wagons, being driven very rapid, going south. This morning report reached us that it was the enemy’s guns and wagons. No doubt there is hard work before us. Don’t just know our present location except that we are somewhere in the Loudon Valley, Virginia. Orders for Sunday morning inspection. It won’t be a very clean one. After that duty was performed we rested and slept. Large stacks of grain were burned in this vicinity to prevent the enemy from getting. It made a hot fire and a great loss. It will no doubt cause much suffering among the people. Women and children in these parts must suffer by the war which is a cruel thing. I am sorry for them. As soon as they hear the reports of the guns, they take to the cellars for protection. Shot and shell go through many houses that are in range of the guns. I have seen many houses that were damaged by the field guns. This Sunday night finds us in the woods, cool and good air, while the sun was red hot, out in the open.

July 16th. Yesterday we had a long tedious march, putting in a hard day. Last night we were glad to drop on the ground for rest and sleep. This is a hot morning out here in the open fields. Our cavalry boys brought in a captured rebel wagon train. The rebel teamsters were driving as directed by our boys who held guns in their hands. The teamsters knew what that meant. Orders came for us to move into the shaded woods which we found cool and fine.

General David Hunter relieved of his command. General George Crook now our commander. The 8th Corps. Six pointed star. We are also known as the Army of the Shenandoah.

July 15th. Came off picket very early. A fine morning. The army again on the march. Our regiment in the rear, waiting for orders. Passed through Knoxville, pushing on to Berlin, Maryland. Coming to a halt discovered the advance wading the Potomac River, over into Virginia, the Loudon Valley country. At this point there was a stony ridge running diagonal across the river. At low water it could be forded. At this time the water was about waist deep and the stones were very slippery. In order to keep our ammunition and rations dry we carried our equipments and haversacks fastened to the muzzle of our muskets, over our shoulder. Some of the boys lost their footing, went down under the water, getting a ducking. There was much laughing, joking, and shouting, in spite of the wetting we were all getting. On reaching the Virginia shore no time to halt, not even to stop and pour the water out of our shoes. Must push on in our wet clothes over dusty roads which soon formed a mud covering. After a time our clothes began to dry as we marched on in the hot sun, the dirt dropping off. By night our clothes were all dry and we were all in better spirits. Many reports are in circulation that we are following on after the rebs under the command of Jubal Early, who have been raiding into Maryland. Late tonight camp near Hillsborough.

July 14th. We have to turn out at daylight. Soon after rations, again in line and marching. We are getting very ragged. Many are barefooted. Clothes will wear out in this rough life. Pushing along. Marched over Bolivar Heights, down through Harper’s Ferry, over the Potomac River on the railroad bridge, into Maryland, taking the river road along the canal through Sandy Hook, camping near Knoxville. A mail received. Very tired tonight. It is thought we have marched about fifteen miles. Detailed for picket.