Up and on the march by daylight. After a few hours marching,
judging by the cannonading, there is hot work going on. We are pushing on for
Lexington. Find the town is located on the south side of the James River. The
enemy burned the bridge, delayed our crossing. The Engineer Corps provided a
way for us to cross on the ruins of the bridge. The cavalry and artillery
crossed at some other point. The Engineer Corps used lumber from nearby
buildings to make the bridge safe for us to cross.
At this point we received a great surprise. A wagon train
overtook us with supplies. Our rations at this time were very low. The enemy
were run out of town. We go in camp on the east side. Lexington is a beautiful
town. The scenery grand. Reported to us that the sound of Yankee guns had never
been heard here before, or until today.
Stonewall Jackson and many prominent rebel officers lie
buried here in the town's cemetery. The Washington Military Institute is
located here, the pride of old Virginia. Governor Letcher resides here. Many
other fine residences are located here. The weather clear, but hot. Scouts are
bringing in prisoners. Detailed for picket duty tonight.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 74-5
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