We started rather early this morning and arrived at Grand
Junction at 9 o'clock in the evening. The army has burned the fences along the
road and set fire to many deserted houses.2
__________
2 Our march these two days was marred by the
disgraceful spectacle of the waste and destruction of property. Some men set
fire to the autumn leaves in the fence corners along the road. A high wind
blowing soon spread the fire, which laid waste the timber and burned some farm
buildings, together with their contents. Such destruction of property was the
disgrace of our army — but it was at the seat of war. — A. G. D.
Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B.,
Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 80
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