Camp on Flat Top Mountain. — Monday, 19th, marched
from camp on Bluestone River to this point (yesterday) — a hot dry march — with
knapsacks. I supposed we were to go only five miles; was disappointed to find
we were retreating so far as this point. Being out of humor with that, I was
out of sorts with all things; scolded “some” because the column was halted to
rest on the wrong side of a stream which had to be crossed single file; viz.,
the near instead of the opposite side; mad because Colonel Scammon halted us in
the sun half an hour — no water — without telling us how long we were to halt,
etc., etc. But got good-humored again soon. Must swear off from swearing. Bad
habit. Met Dr. Jim Webb, assistant surgeon of [the] Twelfth, yesterday as we
approached here. March fourteen miles.
[Today], Tuesday, 20th, rains occasionally — a cold rain. No
tents, some trouble, but men are patient and hardy. Heard of Ike Nelson's
wounds, four to six in number and twenty bullet holes in his clothing. Left for
dead but got well.
Avery and Captain Drake go to Raleigh this morning. We are
holding on, waiting for supplies in the place of the tents, etc., we have lost.
No news yet of Richmond's having been taken, but it is likely soon to fall
unless we are defeated.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 272
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