July 3d. No boats showed up last night. This morning finds us still waiting at Camp Piatt. Yesterday’s march was a hard one. We are resting while waiting. Up and down hill over these old stony roads makes a fellow tired and used up. At noon two boats arrived. They had large stern wheels and flat bottoms. The first I ever saw. About two o’clock we marched on board and were soon under way, leaving Camp Piatt, sailing on down the Kanawah. Weather fine and we were enjoying the trip. A pleasant change. Scenery grand on the river through this mountainous country. Salt, iron, coal, in these mountains along each side of the river. The boats are going very slow down the river. We are in no hurry. We make good use of the time, eating and sleeping whenever we feel like it. Night coming on, reported we will tie up for the night and start by daylight tomorrow morning.
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.
July 2nd. Routed out early this morning, a hot one. Packed up, ready to march. We bid farewell to our good camp, where we received so much pleasure in this section of West Virginia. After a march of twenty-six miles over a very rough, stony road, along the banks of the Kanawah River, we came to a halt at a place known as Camp Piatt, near the river. The march was a hot one, causing much suffering to the men. No air in this valley.
Informed we take boat at this point for Parkersburg, West Virginia. Rations very plenty at this point. All horses and wagons are to be sent overland, a distance of one hundred miles. Waiting for the boats to arrive.
July 1st. This hot morning finds us still in our good camp on the banks of the Great Kanawah River, surrounded by lofty mountains. We have been informed of a fine spring of water over the river, upon a mountain. Some of the residents wish that we would try it and drink of its good waters. They offered us the use of a boat. We rowed over, taking a number of canteens. After a good drink from the spring coming out of the side of the mountain, we had a most wonderful view of this fine valley from another point. The pleasure we had paid us well for our trouble. At this point the river is very wide and deep. We were informed by old residents that soundings had been made and failed to find any bottom.
Wrote many letters from here. Weather fine for camp life. Shelter tents are all right in fine weather. Since the battle of Piedmont, June 5th, our company has been under the command of a sergeant. Two of our officers are prisoners, and one absent on account of wounds.
Marching orders received. Must leave this ideal spot early tomorrow morning. Here we have plenty of good rations and a good rest. Late this afternoon a hard shower came up, a regular mountain shower. The clouds broke loose right over this spot. So hot we don’t mind it very much, will soon dry up. It all comes in the life of a soldier.
June 29th. Up very early this morning and on the march. A hot, muggy morn. After being under way about two hours, we could hear in the distance the popping of guns. Sounded like skirmishing firing. We thought there was music ahead for us. We kept pushing on. After a time the road rounded a curve on the mountains, where we could see ahead for a short distance. We could see the men leave the road and some running back. As we came near the point, saw that it was a cliff, a great overhanging rock. We learned that it was known as the Hawk’s Nest, giving a grand view of the New River, the mountains and valleys. We were allowed a look and permission to shoot, and listen to the wonderful echo our old muskets made. The view was something grand and awful. Shall never forget that scene. We learned there was a legend connected with its history. Indian lovers jumped from the cliff because the father, a chief, would not let his daughter marry the man of her choice. The story was told us by people living near.
After a time we began to descend the mountains, which I learned were the Gauley Mountains. At the foot of the mountains we came to a halt at the Gauley River, the bridge having been destroyed at the breaking out of the war, when General Rosencrans drove the rebel General, Robert E. Lee, out of West Virginia. We went up the river a short distance, where we managed to cross. The New River and the Gauley meet at this point and form the Great Kanawah River. A short distance from the Gauley River, on the bank of the Kanawah River, an ideal spot, camp was located. At this point rations had been stored for Hunter’s hungry army. Good bacon, salt beef, salt pork, rice, beans, coffee, sugar, hardtack. Good water. Fine place for bathing. The Kanawah River was as clear as crystal. Plenty to eat, a chance to bathe, wash our clothes, rest, made a great improvement in our condition in a very short time. This is a very interesting point here, as we learn its history from the old residents. They seem pleased to meet us and give us all the particulars about the location. Great lofty mountains on each side of the rivers. More inhabitants here than we have seen in any place for a long time.
June 30th. Up very early this fine morning. A good bath in the waters of the Great Kanawah. A good place to dry our clothes on the bushes. We remain in water for a long time. So refreshing and good. At this point a great battle had taken place when General Rosencrans drove the rebels out of West Virginia, who were under the command of General Robert E. Lee. The bed of the river was covered with shells, solid shot, pieces of exploded shells, and bullets. I never saw anything like it before. This battle took place the first year of the war. I have a bullet picked from the bottom of that river by myself. Received orders to clean up for inspection, and muster for pay. Having a good time and a much needed rest. We are all in good health in our company. Wonderful what men can endure. Thankful for a good rest in this quiet, ideal place where there is so much of interest.
June 28th. Again on the march this hot, muggy morning. Still climbing the mountains. After a march, about twelve miles, came to a halt. Do not know the name of this section of Virginia. At this point rations are piled up by the roadside. Waiting for our turn to be supplied, which was slow work. Becoming impatient and could not wait, some of the boys made a raid on the supplies, helped themselves. After a good feed of bacon, hardtack, and coffee, we felt much better. After a short rest we are again on the march, taking more interest in the mountains and scenery. After a march reported to be nine miles, we camp for the night well up the mountains. Don’t know the name of the place. Reported we are headed for the New River and Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.
June 27th. Again on the march. I will be thankful if I can hold out until we get rations. Progress is very slow over these mountains. Roads are badly washed by the heavy rains. This is no time to repair roads. They are very dangerous, not only for the men, but also for the poor horses and mules drawing the cannons and heavy army wagons. Very few houses and not much settlement along these mountain roads, so that we see very few people.
After a forced march, about eighteen miles, came to a halt at the foot of the mountains. In the distance we saw what looked like wagons coming towards us. It proved to be farm wagons. The farmers offered their services to bring us rations. How thankful we were to meet them. Each man received two hardtack and a small piece of fresh meat. We were a foot-sore, hungry, ragged, dirty crowd of Uncle Sam’s soldiers. Our suffering has been intense, over the mountains. The farmers informed us it was reported that Hunter’s army was starving in the mountains. Raining very hard tonight.
June 26th. Lewisburg, West Virginia. Very early on the march. Nothing to eat except a cup of hot, black coffee, on a hot morning. Dragging ourselves along. Trying to keep up our courage. Our next stopping place will be Meadow Bluff, where we expect to find rations. After a slow, tiresome march over mountains, we came to a halt at Meadow Bluff.
Rations of fresh meat were given to us. Remained here six hours. Very little water and very poor. Late this afternoon we again began to march. After dark, small fires were made along the roadside. It made us think that the advance was in camp, so the boys would take courage and push along. Fifteen miles from Meadow Bluff, along in the night, we came to a halt, dropped on the ground, and were soon asleep.
June 25th. After an all night’s march we stopped to rest at a place known as Dry Run, near the White Sulphur Springs. Another severe march over bad mountain roads. Up to this morning reported we marched eighteen miles. Passed many horses and mules down and out. Poor things must be shot. Must die for the need of a rest and feed. Many wagons continue to be burned up. Many of the boys drop out, weak and faint, who will be captured by the mountain guerillas following in the rear. So I was informed by a scout. The White Sulphur Spring was another fine resort ruined as the results of the war. I am often reminded that death and destruction follow the path of war. Our marching continues, on across the Green Brier valley. Waded seven rivers, as we supposed. Later we learned that it was all one river, the Green Brier, and a very zig-zag one at that. This is known as the Green Brier country. It is surely rightly named. I never saw such a quantity or such high green briers. We try to observe all these points of interest as we go pushing along but we cannot forget our suffering, and it is all for our country. It certainly is a fearful time as we tramp on, through and over these mountains.
Reported that the next town we are headed for is Lewisburg. It is also claimed the town is in possession of the enemy. Later reports come that our advance has the town. Four miles from the town we found General Crook’s division in camp. We file from the road and go into camp. Eighteen miles from Dry Run and thirty-six from Sweet Springs. Almost a continuous march. Foot-sore, tired, hungry. The lack of rations is getting to be a serious thing to men as near played out as we are. Report comes, supply wagons are on the way to meet us, We are glad to get out of that rough greenbrier country. I am detailed for picket duty tonight. It is a serious thing when one is so near played out. Well, this is war, we are in it until it closes, no matter how long it may last.
June 24th. Did not have to hurry up this morning. After breakfast, orders were, we remain here for the day. I started out to find water where I could take a bath. While hunting for such a place I met Sergeant Samuel Lee, Co. A, who was on the same errand. Together we hunted for water through the lots. We were rewarded by finding a small brook with a deep hole, close to the foot of a high mountain. A good clean place. Water enough for a good bath but not for a swim. Remained in the water for a long time. After the bath we visited the springs. Drank freely of its waters. Walked around the grounds and in some of the buildings. The soldiers raised havoc with the place. It was a fine property, badly ruined. At the springs we met our Colonel and Colonel Rodgers, and Maryland. Our Colonel said, “Boys, you ought to find a place for a bath.” We informed him, “We just came out of the water.” “Where?” he asked. We pointed out the place across a lot. Thanking us, they made tracks for the place. We lay down under the fine trees for a rest. This is certainly a beautiful place. On returning to the regiment, orders had been given that we leave in the early evening for an all night’s march. It is done on account of the extreme heat. After a feed of fresh meat and coffee, line was formed and ready for the march.
