Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: June 25, 1864

After an all night's march we stopped to rest at a place known as Dry Run, near the White Sulphur Springs. Another severe march over bad mountain roads. Up to this morning reported we marched eighteen miles. Passed many horses and mules down and out. Poor things must be shot. Must die for the need of a rest and feed. Many wagons continue to be burned up. Many of the boys drop out, weak and faint, who will be captured by the mountain guerillas following in the rear. So I was informed by a scout. The White Sulphur Spring was another fine resort ruined as the results of the war. I am often reminded that death and destruction follow the path of war. Our marching continues, on across the Green Brier valley. Waded seven rivers, as we supposed. Later we learned that it was all one river, the Green Brier, and a very zig-zag one at that. This is known as the Green Brier country. It is surely rightly named. I never saw such a quantity or such high green briers. We try to observe all these points of interest as we go pushing along but we cannot forget our suffering, and it is all for our country. It certainly is a fearful time as we tramp on, through and over these mountains.

Reported that the next town we are headed for is Lewisburg. It is also claimed the town is in possession of the enemy. Later reports come that our advance has the town. Four miles from the town we found General Crook's division in camp. We file from the road and go into camp. Eighteen miles from Dry Run and thirty-six from Sweet Springs. Almost a continuous march. Foot-sore, tired, hungry. The lack of rations is getting to be a serious thing to men as near played out as we are. Report comes, supply wagons are on the way to meet us, We are glad to get out of that rough greenbrier country. I am detailed for picket duty tonight. It is a serious thing when one is so near played out. Well, this is war, we are in it until it closes, no matter how long it may last.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 85-6