Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch.

March 30th. After an all-night’s ride on a slow train we reached Jersey City at eight o’clock this morning. We were due in Connecticut this morning in time for the men to register, so they could vote, this being the last day. At Jersey City marched on board a small transport. By the time half of the regiment was on board, the old craft began to sink. Not fit to take us around New York, and surely not through Long Island Sound. We returned to the dock. Informed the officers we were ready to pay our fares home by cars, as we would not risk our lives on that frail craft. After waiting awhile orders came to fall in. Then marched on board a Cortlandt Street ferry-boat for New York, thence through Cortlandt Street to Broadway, on up to 14th Street, then up 4th Avenue to 27th Street, to the station, to the New York, New Haven, and Hartford R. R. Going on board train we were soon bound for Connecticut. Passed on through New Haven, out on the Shore Line road. The train was often side-tracked, making the journey a tedious one. Nothing important happened during the journey until we reached the Connecticut River. Up to this time cheers and congratulations had been shouted for good old Connecticut. It was believed that the managers of the railroad were in sympathy with the South and were copper-heads. The crossing of the Connecticut River was by ferry-boat. It was obliged to make two trips in order to get the regiment over. The river was very high and very swift, owing to the spring freshet. Our company went over in the first load with safety. The second boat-load was carried out into the Sound. Great anxiety was felt for those on board as the boat struggled in the swift current to make the dock. After making slow progress the boat finally reached the dock, after a long time. It began to grow dark before the train started again. After many delays the train arrived in Norwich about midnight, in a cold rain-storm. Forming in line we marched to Treadway’s Hall on Water Street, a good lunch having been provided. Many people were out, waiting to greet the regiment. After the reception at the hall many made their way home. Those from out of town remained in the hall until morning. All were happy, being home once more. Pretty well tired out. Not much sleep for the past three days and nights on the cars, homeward bound. My home was with an aunt on Franklin Street, where I received a hearty welcome.