On the Front Royal Pike at the Shawnee Springs. A fine supply of good cold water. The location was fine and the camp was known as Camp Shawnee. Severe duty began right away. Picket, scouting through the country, working on the fort and rifle pits, with axe, pick, and shovel. The large fort was known as the Star Fort. Many of the boys had never used or handled that kind of tools. It was hard work. After a hard day’s work came the march back to camp, a distance of about four miles. Then clean up and get something to eat. Various duty came to us each day. Made out to get some pleasure out of the life of a soldier as the days passed by.
May 30th. The regiment, with cavalry escort, ordered up the valley. After a march of ten miles came to a halt at Newtown. Muskets stacked along the main street. The cavalry continued to advance with flag of truce. After a few hours’ wait the cavalry returned and with them were some poor people who were ordered out of the rebel lines. They were Union people, mostly women and children. They were nearly famished and were known as refugees. Their faces brightened up when they saw us and the flags. We divided our rations with them and made coffee for them. We guarded them back to Winchester. Later on they were sent North. Not very much change in our line of duty from day to day. Scouting, picket duty, working on the forts and rifle pits which kept us very busy.
