After an all
night's march, we reach the town of Salem, Roanoke county, Virginia, located
near the mountains. The scenery good. After we came to a halt by the roadside,
tired — worn out — hungry, leaning up
against a rail fence, I soon fell asleep. Later I was awakened by the cavalry,
then had to find my company. By the buildings I should judge that this is a
college town. Our regiment detailed as rear guard. Colonel Ely again in
command, the wound in the neck having improved. Ordered, with a battery, to
march back about one mile, pushing the enemy back and holding them in check
while the army wagons and artillery passed through the gap near Salem, Blue
Ridge Mountains. While we are holding the enemy in check our Colonel acts as
though he was nervous. If the enemy is strong enough, we may get cut off and
perhaps captured before our turn comes to march through the gap, we are so far
in the rear with the battery. Late in the day orders came for us to march on
through the gap into the mountains where we were surprised to see some of the
wagons and a battery badly damaged. A portion of the train was not guarded when
a dash was made by guerillas who were in ambush in the woods. A detachment of
our cavalry was soon on the ground with the Spencer carbine, routed and
captured a number of the guerillas. Reported we are headed for a place called
New Castle. After a short rest we received a small piece of fresh meat. Pushing
along, expecting to stop for the night. Hungry and thirsty. Very little water
to be found in these mountains. Footsore and very tired. Wonderful what men can
endure. It is either push ahead or be left and made a prisoner.
SOURCE: Charles H.
Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn.
Vol's, p. 82-3
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