Up early this clear, hot morning. During the night the
wounded had been removed and cared for, and the dead buried. Our company's
loss, twenty killed and wounded. The loss in the regiment, one hundred and
thirty killed and wounded. None taken prisoners. The color-sergeants and the
guard were all killed or wounded except one. They were a part of our company,
as we were the color company. Very sad over our loss. Such is the life of a
soldier. Rations running very low.
This morning, fifty rounds of cartridges given to each man,
forty for our boxes, ten for our pockets. Left the battle field. Again on the
march, rather slow, through wood-land, wondering what was in store for us.
After being under way for about two hours, suddenly, great cheering was heard.
The regiment came to a halt as the cheers came nearer to us. Reports came to us
by scouts that our cavalry was in possession of Staunton, where we expected to
meet with stubborn resistance. We were soon pushing for the town, said to be
twelve miles away, at the upper end of the Shenandoah Valley. The march takes
us over a rough, stony, hilly road, sometimes through the lots, giving up the
roads to the artillery and wagon train. As we marched along there was much to
be seen by inquisitive Yankees. We entered the town from the north, passing
through what seemed to be the main street, going into camp on the west side.
The scenery in this vicinity is grand. Town located on hills
and hillsides. Reminds us somewhat of our home town, Norwich, Connecticut. We
are soldiers, doing hard service for our country in a cruel war, but for all
that we cannot help but take in the fine scenery. We are living close to the
earth, as we eat and sleep on the ground. We try to improve every opportunity
to take a bath, wash our clothes, and swim. At this time the weather is very
hot, dry, and dusty, which seems to come very soon after the rain.
Thunderstorms, in this valley, are very fierce at times.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 70-72
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