Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: June 26, 1864

Lewisburg, West Virginia. Very early on the march. Nothing to eat except a cup of hot, black coffee, on a hot morning. Dragging ourselves along. Trying to keep up our courage. Our next stopping place will be Meadow Bluff, where we expect to find rations. After a slow, tiresome march over mountains, we came to a halt at Meadow Bluff.

Rations of fresh meat were given to us. Remained here six hours. Very little water and very poor. Late this afternoon we again began to march. After dark, small fires were made along the roadside. It made us think that the advance was in camp, so the boys would take courage and push along. Fifteen miles from Meadow Bluff, along in the night, we came to a halt, dropped on the ground, and were soon asleep.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 86-7