Wednesday Evening.
Yesterday was made famous and busy by the arrival of the
paymaster, laden with gold. I was active all the afternoon, getting the men to
the pay-table with order and system. Harper's Ferry was quiet, showing no sign.
Orders came to go over there with a small force and destroy the mill and remaining
wheat of Mr. Herr. Colonel Andrews was despatched with two companies. Delays in
crossing brought their work into the night. The artillery was no longer a
protection. Colonel Gordon determined to recall the party. I went to do it. The
Doctor and I crossed at about eight o'clock. Found the town deserted. The panic-stricken
had left. Blinds were closed. Deadness everywhere. Went up to the mill, ordered
in the companies. At half past nine o'clock we were returning, in the
moonlight, over the river, — companies in flat-boats, — a magnificent night.
But the uncertainty of moonlight did not favor the nature of our enterprise,
and would aid them. There is no appearance of any force near Harper's Ferry. I
do not believe the enemy are in any strength near us. Their cavalry comes in
cautiously every day, and presses teams, &c. The town has run away
from itself, and it is sad to see the change since our entry. Sad to hear the
accounts of oppression and ruin which come to us from the Union people who are
running from the sinking ship.
This morning, Colonel Andrews has just gone off with a
company to complete the destruction of the mill. We have orders to leave
Harper's Ferry, and go to Buckeyestown, or some such euphonious place. I
suppose that before night we shall have our tents struck, and be on the march
again.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p. 74-5
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