Again on the march
after an early breakfast. Marched in good order through the town, by music of
the drum corps. The town is an old Virginia one. Many old buildings, some
showing the effects of the war. Reaching the center of town, filed to the
right, going west, on the Winchester Pike. On the march we were obliged to ford
three small rivers, or creeks, as the natives called them. Passed a number of
large mansions. Many small outhouses, the homes of slaves in prosperous times.
We surely are now in the enemy's country. In conversation with the natives we
would try and keep them talking, on account of their peculiar dialect. We never
could find out how far it was to the next town, in miles. The answer would be “Right
smart aways, I reckon.” After a tiresome march we reached the town of
Winchester late in the afternoon. After a halt in the town for a while, until
the Colonel could report to the Commander, General Milroy, we again were on the
march, out the south side of the town, to locate camp about two miles from
town.
On the Front Royal
Pike at the Shawnee Springs. A fine supply of good cold water. The location was
fine and the camp was known as Camp Shawnee. Severe duty began right away.
Picket, scouting through the country, working on the fort and rifle pits, with
axe, pick, and shovel. The large fort was known as the Star Fort. Many of the
boys had never used or handled that kind of tools. It was hard work. After a
hard day's work came the march back to camp, a distance of about four miles.
Then clean up and get something to eat. Various duty came to us each day. Made
out to get some pleasure out of the life of a soldier as the days passed by.
SOURCE: Charles H.
Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn.
Vol's, p. 17-8
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