June 3d. In camp near Harrisonburg. Sat up very late last night watching the Signal Corps using rockets and roman candles. A wonderful sight. Reported General Hunter is trying to get in communication with General Crook who is in the mountains making for Staunton, the same point that we are headed for. Hospital in town, containing a few wounded Union soldiers. Held as prisoners, were re-captured. Among them was Charlie Avery, a member of our company, wounded through the chest. He surprised us by coming into our camp asking for his brother Jim, also a member of our company. Up to this time we did not know whether he was alive. Could not remain with us, was obliged to return to the hospital. The weather hot, muggy, with heavy rain storms. Our shelter tents are poor protection in these hard storms, as the rain pours down. We try to keep as dry and as comfortable as we can. The boys keep in good spirits and do not growl very much.
Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch, 18th Conn. Vol’s.
June 2nd. On the march again, on through New Market. As we go pushing up the valley, our advance are again having a hot time, judging by the booming of the guns. Passed the Lincoln Springs, a fine body of water coming out of the ground. The force is strong enough to drive a mill. A good drink from its cold water. There are many fine springs in this valley. Our boys are driving the Rebs as they advance. Report comes that our cavalry boys have taken Harrisonburg. Hard marching over these rough, stony roads. Very tired tonight.
June 1st. In camp waiting for orders to advance. Skirmish drill during the forenoon. This afternoon went to the Shenandoah River. Gave my clothes a good washing, which they needed. Remained in the water, having a good bath and swim, until they were dry. It did not take long in the hot sun. No change of raiment for a soldier in the field. Managed to carry one extra pair of woolen stockings. Army brogans for soldiers. Marching orders received.
May 31st. This morning still finds us in camp on the battle-field, near New Market. Orders from the General’s headquarters. Details have been made to forage and sent out from headquarters. Inspection and battalion drill by our Colonel, Ely. The first since his return from prison. The Colonel, on the quiet, restored to their former rank the non-commissioned officers reduced by General Hunter for foraging. They were all good boys, and driven to it by hunger. I often wonder why we must have this awful war. This is a beautiful country, at this time quiet and peaceful, but the horrors of war liable to come at most any time.
May 30th. Owing to our rations running very low some of the boys took the liberty to go foraging, going without a permit from the General’s headquarters. They were rounded up by cavalry scouts, placed under arrest, taken to headquarters, where they received a severe reprimand from General Hunter. All were punished. Non-commissioned officers reduced to the ranks. Privates made to carry a heavy fence rail over the shoulder and walk a beat for four hours. The lack of rations and seeing the boys undergoing a severe punishment made a gloomy time for us. The life of a soldier in the field is no picnic. We can stand most anything but hunger. It did seem very strange to us that we could not forage in the enemy’s country. We are seventy miles from our base of supplies, which must be brought to us in wagons under a strong guard. Cavalry must do that duty. Reported that they have much trouble from the guerillas under Mosby and others. They keep concealed in the woods along the pike. From the hills they can be seen far up and down the valley. Weather cloudy and muggy.
May 29th. Left camp early this hot morning. Pushing up the valley. Passed through Woodstock. Very few people to be seen. They still inform us that they hate the Yankees. Hope we will all be captured and be sent to Richmond. Came to a halt at Mount Jackson. Line of battle formed. The advance are having a hot time, as we can plainly hear the boom of the guns. Passing over the battle-field of the 15th, stopping near New Market. I am in the best of health. Rations running low. Would like more to eat. Hot, cloudy, muggy weather. Our march today covers twenty miles.
May 28th. Nothing important occurred last night. All quiet this morning. In an open country where we have a good view. We are located west of the pike. Ordered to keep a sharp lookout for the enemy’s cavalry and guerillas. Late this afternoon we were relieved from picket duty. This is a fine country as we continue to see.
May 27th. Rain. Regiment ordered out into line about 3 A. M. This is done to guard against a surprise while we are in the enemy’s country. Remained in line about two hours, then stacked arms and were dismissed and allowed to get our breakfast. This is a dark, rainy, dismal day in camp. Late this afternoon a battalion, 5th New York Heavy Artillery, came into camp, they having made a forced march, being ordered to join the army. We were old friends, having been in the same brigade during the winter of 1862-3. We greeted them with hearty cheers which they returned, while our Colonel and their Lieutenant-Colonel, who was in command, were shaking hands, while on horseback. Our company detailed for picket duty. Located on the extreme right of the picket line.
May 26th. Broke camp very early this hot morning. Once more on the march. Again waded Cedar Creek, passing through Strasburg, on up Fishers Hill, hot and very dusty. Again camp near Woodstock. Some of the boys come from the town of Woodstock, Connecticut. There are many incidents that remind us of home. As soon as we halted for the night, began to hunt for wood for our fires, to boil coffee, fry our bacon and hard tack. We seem to be always hungry and ready to eat. The health of the regiment at this time is good.
May 24th. Nothing of importance has taken place in camp since the last date. Marching orders received in the shape of general orders. Advance up the valley. Four days’ rations to be issued, with instructions to make it last eight. That puts us on half rations, and we are also put in light marching order. All extra baggage, with knapsacks, sent to the rear, at Martinsburg. Regiment on skirmish drill. Our company, color company, remains on the reserves. When the regiment forms in line the formation is made on center company and the colors. All things are now ready for the advance. Waiting for orders.
