Civil War Diary of Charles H. Lynch.

May 14th. Rain. Broke camp at 4 o’clock this morning. Again on the march, pushing up the valley. Heavy cannonading going on at a distance. By the sound, hot work must be going on at the front. Marching on, passed through the town of Edenburg. Go into camp about a mile from the town. Our regiment detailed for picket duty. Relieved the 12th West Virginia Regiment. I was detailed with two hundred others to go on post. The rest of the regiment formed the reserves. Lieutenant Robert Kerr in command of the outposts. Posted in the woods about one mile from headquarters. Hot, muggy, wet weather. We are very anxious about the morrow, as we listen to the heavy artillery firing. We are about fifty miles from Harper’s Ferry, our base of supplies, with no prospect of re-enforcements, if needed. The enemy have the advantage of railroads direct to Richmond. Report comes that our cavalry are putting up a hard fight at New Market, sixteen miles south of Edenburg, and about fifteen from our picket line.