A field hospital and
camp was established to the north on the Chambersburg road, about two miles
from town. A fine location. Plenty of good, clear, running water. The change
was not only good for us but very beneficial to all the prisoners, and they
enjoyed it very much. Good air and grounds for them to walk about. A provost
guard was on duty in town to preserve the peace and protect the town. We were
on the alert all the time. Reports of cavalry raids from Virginia into Maryland
caused us to turn out in the night and double the line of pickets on the road
to Williamsport, near the ford crossing the Potomac. We have very pleasant
recollections of Hagerstown. Nothing very serious happened while we were there.
Some of the people were very strongly in sympathy with the South. The 4th
Connecticut Regiment was at that town a year before we were. They left a good
impression there and were well spoken of by the people. We became well
acquainted in Hagerstown and vicinity. We traded with farmers coffee, sugar,
and hardtack, for eggs, butter, and vegetables. We lived well at that place.
All things come to an end. Marching orders received. The prisoners were ordered
to be sent to Chambersburg, Penn. At this camp we conquered the army of the pedicules,
and became free of the pest.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 28-9
