Martinsburg, West
Virginia. Cloudy, cold. Detailed for picket duty. Located on Charlestown Pike,
southeast of town. On post two hours and off four. So I passed the day. Along
in the evening, while out on post, was relieved from duty, informed that I had
been granted a furlough for ten days, giving to me an opportunity to visit old Connecticut.
On my return to camp, found that Edwin White of our company had also received a
furlough. After a bath and a change of raiment, we decided to journey together.
We left camp about eleven o'clock at night. At the depot was informed that the
next train North would leave at 2 A. M., which would be Sunday morning. About
midnight we started up town to find something to eat. The town being under
martial law, provost guards were at every corner to protect the town and
preserve order. I was in possession of the countersign, having received it
early in the evening while on picket duty. Did not find anything to eat, had a
good time walking around while waiting for the train. Whenever challenged by
the guards, I would advance and give the countersign. Few trains were run on
the B. & O. R. R. in the night. Shall not be able to get anything to eat
until our arrival in Baltimore, where the train is due about 7 A. M. We are
very happy over the prospect of seeing home and friends once more, having been
in the service for eighteen months.
SOURCE: Charles H.
Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn.
Vol's, p. 40
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