After an all-night's ride on a slow train we reached Jersey
City at eight o'clock this morning. We were due in Connecticut this morning in
time for the men to register, so they could vote, this being the last day. At
Jersey City marched on board a small transport. By the time half of the
regiment was on board, the old craft began to sink. Not fit to take us around
New York, and surely not through Long Island Sound. We returned to the dock.
Informed the officers we were ready to pay our fares home by cars, as we would
not risk our lives on that frail craft. After waiting awhile orders came to
fall in. Then marched on board a Cortlandt Street ferry-boat for New York,
thence through Cortlandt Street to Broadway, on up to 14th Street, then up 4th
Avenue to 27th Street, to the station, to the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
R. R. Going on board train we were soon bound for Connecticut. Passed on
through New Haven, out on the Shore Line road. The train was often
side-tracked, making the journey a tedious one. Nothing important happened
during the journey until we reached the Connecticut River. Up to this time
cheers and congratulations had been shouted for good old Connecticut. It was
believed that the managers of the railroad were in sympathy with the South and
were copper-heads. The crossing of the Connecticut River was by ferry-boat. It
was obliged to make two trips in order to get the regiment over. The river was
very high and very swift, owing to the spring freshet. Our company went over in
the first load with safety. The second boat-load was carried out into the
Sound. Great anxiety was felt for those on board as the boat struggled in the
swift current to make the dock. After making slow progress the boat finally
reached the dock, after a long time. It began to grow dark before the train
started again. After many delays the train arrived in Norwich about midnight,
in a cold rain-storm. Forming in line we marched to Treadway's Hall on Water
Street, a good lunch having been provided. Many people were out, waiting to
greet the regiment. After the reception at the hall many made their way home.
Those from out of town remained in the hall until morning. All were happy,
being home once more. Pretty well tired out. Not much sleep for the past three
days and nights on the cars, homeward bound. My home was with an aunt on
Franklin Street, where I received a hearty welcome.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 49-50
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