Sept. 24th. Here I am sitting in my tent, where I have been at work all day; the rest of the boys have gone to bed. We have had glorious news from Sheridan, in the valley. Give salutes with shotted guns.
September—It is very cold, worse than I have seen it in the South in the dead of winter.
by John Beauchamp Jones
SEPTEMBER 24TH.—Raining alternate hours and warm. Had a chill this morning, and afterward several spells of blindness, from rushes of blood to the head. Came home and bathed my feet and recovered.
Another disaster but no great loss of men. Gen. Early was compelled to retreat again on Thursday, 22d inst., the enemy flanking him, and getting in his rear. He lost 12 more guns. This intensifies the chagrin and doubts prevalent in a certain class of the community. However, Lee commands inVirginia, and there may be better luck next time, which will cause everybody’s spirits to rise.
Gen. Lee writes a long letter to the Secretary of War, deprecating the usage of theport ofWilmington by theTallahassee and other cruisers, that go out and ravage the enemy’s commerce, such as the destruction of fishing smacks, etc. Already the presence of theTallahassee and the Edith atWilmington has caused the loss of one of our blockade-runners, worth more than all the vessels destroyed by theTallahassee, and the port is now guarded by such an additional number of blockaders that it is with difficulty our steamers can get in with supplies. Gen. L. suggests thatCharleston or some other port be used by our cruisers; and thatWilmington be used exclusively for the importation of supplies—quartermaster’s, commissary’s ordnance, etc. Gen. L. advises that supplies enough for two or three years be brought in, so that we shall not be under apprehension of being destitute hereafter. Such were his ideas. Lieut. Wood, who commands the Tallahassie, is the President’s nephew, and gains eclat by his chivalric deeds on the ocean; but we cannot afford to lose our chances of independence to glorify the President’s nephew. Gen. Lee but reiterates what has been written on the same subject by Gen. Whiting atWilmington.
September 23d. Called up very early. Marching orders received. Report at Martinsburg, a distance about eighteen miles from Charlestown. The road led along the B. & O. R. R., a very rough road for marching over. We entered the town late this afternoon, making good time but very tired. The town was well deserted, having been occupied by the rebels. Our regiment, the first to enter after the enemy left. Marched through the town to the south side. Go into camp in the Faulkner’s woods, owned by Charles J. Faulkner, a leading Virginia secessionist, one who did much damage to the Union people in this part of Virginia. Faulkner and his son went south, casting their lots with the Confederacy. His wife and daughter remained at home to hold the large plantation and property. The home was a great resort, from all accounts, for Union officers, who were entertained there. Much valuable information went south from that home. So it was always reported by the Union people in Martinsburg. I put in many hours on picket duty in those woods, while stationed in Martinsburg and vicinity.
Friday, 23d.—Reported seven hundred Rebs took oath to Yanks.
Friday, 23d—I helped to move the field hospital into town this morning. Most of the wounded able to go, have been sent home on thirty-day furloughs, and some of the sick will also go soon. There is no news from Grant’s army. I received a letter this morning from Miss G ——. I received my knapsack and equipments and bidding good-by, left for Atlanta, Georgia. There was a squad of one hundred and seventy-five of us and we started at noon, going as far as Kingston, where we lay awaiting a train from the North. We left Kingston soon after dark.
Etowah Bridge, Friday, Sept. 23. At morning roll call Lieutenant Simpson announced the new appointment of noncommissioned officers, viz:
1st Sergeant, Alba Sweet, a moral man, deserving.
Quarter-Master Sergeant, S. E. Sweet, also good appointment.
1st Gun Sergeant, Fred Malish, will make strict disciplinarian.
2nd Gun Sergeant, H. P. James, very pleasant, easy fellow.
3rd Gun Sergeant, M. Dziewanowski, a favorite of the boys.
4th Gun Sergeant, L. N. Keeler.
Corporals, D. Goodwin, C. Hutchinson, Frank Parish, D. Stewart, John Eagion, A. Ray, J. W. Proctor and Ed. K. Hill. Landen and Spencer, artificers.
The appointments were duly criticized during the day. No great objection raised against except ——, his previous conduct “hanging around the officers”, seeking position, and overbearing spirit has created much dislike for him. Headquarters are filled with rebel prisoners.
Woodstock, Virginia, September 23, 1864.
Dear Mother: — We have gained two great victories this week. The first was after a fierce and long battle, in which we lost heavily. The last unwounded man of my staff was badly wounded; one orderly ditto; two horses killed, rode by my aides. I am unhurt and in good health. We are in pursuit and will soon get out of the reach of mails. — In haste. Love to all.
Affectionately, your son,
R.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
Woodstock, Virginia, September 23, 1864.
Dearest: — We fought the enemy again [yesterday] at Fisher’s Hill near Strasburg. They had fortified a naturally strong position with great industry. It seemed impregnable, but General Crook contrived an attack, by going up a mountainside, which turned their position. My division led the attack. The victory was [as] complete as possible and, strangest of all, our loss is almost nothing.
Captain Douglass sits near me in excellent health. We are following the enemy. Shall be out of hearing for some time.
In the rush after the Rebels no flag was so conspicuous as yours. It seems a trifle larger than others, is bright and new, and as it went double-quick at the head of a yelling host for five miles, I thought how you would enjoy the sight. The color-bearer told me he should go to see you when the war was over. He is an American German, with a dark Indian face, full of spirit.
Captain Hastings’ wound is severe but not dangerous. Captain Stewart, the best captain in [the] Thirteenth, ditto. Captain Slack killed. In the fight yesterday none were killed of your friends or acquaintances and very few hurt.
A train goes in a minute and I must send a line to Mother. — Dr. Joe perfectly triumphant. He was at the head of the host yesterday. — Love to all.
Affectionately ever,
R.
P. S. — Since the wounding of Colonel Duval, I command the splendid old Kanawha Division — two brigades, now not over three thousand strong, but no better fighters live.
Mrs. Hayes.
Friday, September 23. — Marched twelve miles to Woodstock. Rebels outran the first Bull Run great rout. Woodstock a pretty reigon. Bath and clean woollen today.
