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

January 31st. The weather for the past few days has been very bad, making our duty very severe. Picket and guard must be done. These cold storms make the life of a soldier a bitter one. Wood must be brought to camp, trees cut down, then worked up into fire-wood. Must go out about five miles from camp for the wood. All must take a hand at the axe. Teams and woodchoppers must be kept well guarded. Each tent is provided with a small cylinder stove set on the ground, pipe up, out the top of the tent. Once in a while a tent takes fire, which makes lively work for the boys. We keep prepared for such an emergency. Manage to keep comfortable in our tents when off duty. Visit the town quite often when off duty.

Orders received that our old commander, General Robert H. Milroy, will visit our camp this afternoon and review our regiment. Much excitement getting everything in order. All are happy and pleased at the prospect of seeing the General, whom we have not seen since the battle of Winchester, June 13th, 14th, 15th, 1863. At 4 P. M. the General, with staff and escort, came into camp. The regiment being in line, received him with hearty cheers and a welcome and a salute. He addressed the regiment, which I copy.

Soldiers of the Eighteenth. Since I last saw you, you have suffered captivity in rebel prisons. We have been separated since then, but I have come to see you and to praise you for your gallantry.

I saw you in the second day’s fight, as you charged the enemy from your rifle-pits and drove them back upon their reserves, holding them in check until night, when you fell back but with your face to the foe. Again I saw you the next morning facing as hot a fire as I ever witnessed. I looked in vain to see you waver. Boys, it was a hot place — a hot place. I saw you go where none but brave men dare to go, saw you make three successful charges, preserving your line as well as if on dress parade. I witnessed it all. I saw you as you broke the first line of rebel infantry, and charged up to their batteries, driving away their gunners, still pressing on and breaking their reserves. But a third line was too strong for you. I knew it was. Only then did you fall back, when your lines were broken, and many brave Connecticut men lay bleeding on the field. But you only fell back to re-form, and give them another taste of your steel. I knew it was madness to order you forward again, it was ordering you to death and annihilation. But I watched you with pride as you charged the third time, but when I saw your ranks withering, and your comrades falling, it made my heart grow sad within me, and I ordered you to fall back. You know the rest. You were surrounded and there was no escape.

But I miss your noble commander, Colonel Ely, may he soon return to you.

Boys, to your valor I owe my safety. You come from a state whose soldiers never disgrace themselves nor their flag. I am proud of you.

January 28th. This morning the Pennsylvania boys are packing up to leave, they having received marching orders. Ordered to New Creek, West Virginia. Our boys lined up, bid them good bye, good luck, with hearty cheers. These regiments, the 3d and 4th were known as the reserves and the Buck Tails, they having seen hard service. We found them a good lot of boys, and visited back and forth very much while they were in camp near us.

January 26th. In camp today we have a visitor, a minister from Woodstock, Connecticut, Rev. Mr. White. The day being fine, our regular routine was carried out. At dress parade, Mr. White delivered an address, a message from home. A pleasure to hear direct from old Connecticut.

January 18th-25th. Rain, sunshine, snow, very windy, has been the weather for the past week. At times very disagreeable. Target practise has taken the place of drilling. Daily routine does not change very much from day to day. Many are ill at this time, in hospital. Occasional death takes place.

January 10th-17th. Weather fine. Weather permitting, company drill in the forenoon, battalion drill in the afternoon, also dress parade. No matter what the weather conditions were guard and picket duty must be done. Mild weather brings on the sticky Virginia mud, disagreeable. My greatest trouble at this time is an ingrowing toe nail, causing me much trouble. Doctor trying to cure it. At times forced to wear an old shoe. Wrote and received many letters, also reading everything that we can get in the way of reading matter. Everything being quiet along the lines, furloughs are granted for a short visit home. Two to four are allowed at a time, for an absence of ten days, from each company.

January 10th. Sunday. A very pleasant day. Attended church in town morning and evening. Service conducted by Chaplain, 3d Pennsylvania Reserves. Attendance by the towns-people and soldiers good. Chaplains from the different regiments were invited to occupy the pulpits in the churches. Special service was held evenings during the week, when no extra duty was demanded.

January 8th. Twenty new recruits arrived from old Connecticut. Welcomed as fresh fish. They were assigned to the different companies which are being filled up for the coming campaign.

January 6th. While in town I saw and bought a pair of kip leather boots. Keep them well greased. They are good for walking through snow and water as well as Virginia mud. Try to keep my feet warm and dry. The enemy is reported to be again making raids in this vicinity. The 3d and 4th Pennsylvania Reserves came here as reinforcements. In camp near our regiment. A good gang of fellows. Soon get well acquainted with them.

January 5th. Cold with more snow. Detailed as guard with brigade teams going about five miles out on the Williamsport road for wood. Severe, cold weather. Wood choppers and teams must be kept well guarded. Rebel scouts and guerillas often reported in this vicinity. Wood must be collected for our camp. We pass most of these winter evenings very pleasantly in camp, visiting, singing, reading, telling stories, writing, study, discussing the war question, and wondering what the outcome will be, and when we will get home. The song “Home Sweet Home” leads all others. Often hear the war called a cruel war. I think all wars cruel, from what little experience I had.