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

July 12th. A fine morning. When relieved from duty went to the large spring for a bath. Called on Mrs. Shults, my wash-woman. A fine old German woman. Always did my washing and the mending of my clothes. Her old father lived with her. Owned a small home on the Winchester Pike, close to the town. They were pleased to see the Union soldiers in the town again. So far all things remain quiet. The enemy must be in this section.

July 11th. Called up early this morning. Orders to march. Left Back Creek. After a slow march of about seven miles we came to Martinsburg. We call this our home town, having served in this section of the Shenandoah Valley for two years. Marched through the town, meeting a few old friends. Camped on the south side, near the Winchester Pike. The enemy left town early this morning. Our knapsacks, with extra clothing, left here when we began our march up the valley in May, were taken by the rebs, so we lost our clothing that we expected to find here on our return. On picket. Strict orders for tonight, as the enemy is reported a short distance south. Keep a sharp lookout.

July 10th. Back Creek, seven miles from Martinsburg. Some of the companies are out scouting about all the time. The enemy must be near. All sorts of rumors are in circulation. Our scouts do not run up against the Confederates. Bridge over this creek has been destroyed. When we cross it, must wade. We are well acquainted in this section, having done much duty along the line of this railroad.

July 9th. This fine morning finds me on picket near Cherry Run, Maryland. Nothing important occurred so far. Late this afternoon relieved from picket. Ordered to join the regiment, it having left Cherry Run and advanced east along the line of the railroad, towards Martinsburg. After pushing along from six to eight miles, found headquarters located at Back Creek, the regiment having reached here in the early morning. Companies A and C were out on scout duty in the direction of Martinsburg. They returned late tonight without having found the enemy. The railroad is badly damaged. Business on the line is suspended east of Cumberland, as far as Harper’s Ferry. This is an important railroad through to the west. It has met with great losses on account of the war.

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.

July 7th. Rain this morning. Late last night the train got under way. Kept running all night. Soon after daylight a number of us climbed to the top of the cars. I always did that when I could. It relieved the packed condition of the inside. I have slept many miles while riding on top of the old box cars. The B. & O. R. R. leads through a mountainous country, West Virginia. As we rounded a curve we saw a large hole in the mountain. There came a shout for every man to lie down as the train entered a tunnel, a long one. We lay face downward. Thought the heavy smoke from the engine would smother me. A fearful experience. Before I could get down into the car we entered another. As soon as we passed through the second one, I made haste, got inside. That was tunnel riding enough for me.

Passed through Clarksburg and Grafton. Nothing important transpired during the run so far. The train moved along very slowly with its human freight, packed in filthy old box cars, soldiers who were fighting for our country. Wonderful how patient the men are, and what we have to endure. In the filthy box cars we came in contact with an army of pediculers.

July 6th. A very pleasant morning. A good night’s rest. The boat pushed along all night. Must be getting near our journey’s end, or destination, Parkersburg. Soon after noon the boat grounded and held fast. We were again obliged to wade ashore, on the Ohio side. Later it was decided, we give up the boat and march on to Parkersburg, distance, from five to six miles. The march was over a good road through a fine country. The field officers, not having their horses, set the pace, which was very slow. We had them that time, for we could march right away from them. The horses and wagons were coming overland from Camp Piatt. During the march we were among friends. Some of the old settlers were from Connecticut. The old and young people were pleased to see Connecticut soldiers. We came to a halt quite often to talk to the people. One very old gentleman brought out an old powder horn which he claimed was once the property of General Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. He also made claim to be a descendant of General Putnam.

The march through Ohio was very pleasant, the people were so kind. Parkersburg was in West Virginia, we were in Ohio. Were carried over the river on boats. At this point, while waiting for a train, we received a large mail. I received two letters. A long time since we heard from home. Hunter’s army took train at this place. A train of box cars was made ready for us, into which we were packed like a lot of animals. At times we were made to feel that we were cattle. Hope I can live to see the finish up of the war. This is a strenuous life. It’s all for our country.

July 5th. At daylight this morning the boat got under way, pushing on up the great Ohio. Passed the towns, Middlesport, Pomeroy, Syracuse, on the Ohio side, and Hartford, West Virginia. The farther up the river we go, have more trouble with low water. Sand bars are many. Again obliged to wade ashore. Later, go on board a smaller boat. It seems to make good time as it pushes along. Reported the boat will push along all night. This will close our second day on the water. A very pleasant and interesting trip. A good rest, good food, and very plenty. We are now in good condition, ready for duty. This will no doubt be our last night on board the boat. Another good rest, provided all things go well with us during the night.

July 4th. The day we celebrate. At dark last night the boat tied up at Charleston. Went ashore for a while. The town is located on a bluff, which we had to climb to reach it. As we saw it in the dark, it was a dirty looking place. Perhaps because it was a mining town. The boat left at daylight, going on, down the river. The boat being flat bottomed, to sail in shallow water, we came near tipping the thing over as we made a rush to one side, something having attracted our attention. The officers of the boat let out a yell “Trim ship!” and then explained that we must not do such a thing. We got our lesson, the way the boat tipped. We were careful after that.

Having a good time, as the boat goes slowly down the river, taking in all the points of interest. As we are near the Ohio River we pass Point Pleasant, on the Virginia side. Here we leave the Kanawah River and are out on the O-hi-o. Surprised when the boat headed down the river, as we supposed we were going up. After a run down the Ohio, about four miles, we landed at Gallipolis, and were ordered to go ashore. In the early morning, on the Kanawah River, we were allowed to celebrate for a while, by discharging our muskets.

At Gallipolis, Ohio, we were ordered to wait for a larger boat to take us up the river. Here the people were very kind, tried to make our stay happy. I bought a quart tin pail to use, taking the place of the one shot through at the battle of Piedmont. It had a cover, bail handle. Up to this time I had used an old fruit can to make coffee in. While waiting for the boat, conversed with the people, who were very kind to us. Informed us it was reported Hunter’s army was starving in the mountains of West Virginia. He was censured by the people and the press. It was also reported he could have taken Lynchburg, had he got there the day before. That could have been done by not stopping so long at Staunton and Lexington. I often wonder whether a true history of Hunter’s raid to Lynchburg would ever be written and published.

As soon as the large boat arrived we were quickly on board, going up the O-hi-o. This being a holiday, many people were along the banks celebrating. They greeted us with cheers, firing guns. Whenever the boats came near the shores, the people came with baskets, filled with bread, cakes, and pies, and threw to the soldiers. It was laughable to see us catch pies. As our hands caught one, they would generally go to pieces, making many a hearty laugh. The people seemed to enjoy the fun while watching us eat whatever we caught. This trip up the Ohio River is very enjoyable, except when the boat runs aground or sticks on a sand bar. Then we were obliged to wade ashore, and perhaps walk from one to two miles, or until the boat got into deep water. At this time the river is very low. The boat seems to find all the sandbars. Shouting and cheers greet us as we go up the river. The boats carrying the soldiers were overloaded. A memorable trip for the 18th Connecticut Regiment. Owing to the low water, the boat will tie up for the night. The rest and change is very beneficial, also gave us time to talk over the past two months. It am very thankful that I was able to keep my place in the ranks, and not obliged to fall by the wayside. It is claimed we marched over seven ranges of mountains. Passed through four battles, six skirmishes, since we left Martinsburg. At times our suffering has been intense. Feel that we have suffered much for our country.

I am detailed to take charge of the guard for tonight, on board the boat, while tied up to the shore. Guard duty is kept up at all times. At times must act as a sergeant.