Up and early on the march this fine morning. Pushing on to
the south in the direction of Snicker's Gap, Blue Ridge Mountains, eighteen
miles south of Harper's Ferry. We cannot tell what an hour may bring forth. As
we approach Snicker's Gap we came to a halt. Here we meet a part of the 6th
Corps, Army of the Potomac, and a division under Colonel Mulligan, the Colonel
of the 23d Illinois Regiment. After a few hours' halt up the side of the
mountains came orders to advance slowly through Snicker's Gap. Then proceeded
slowly down the west side of the mountains on towards the Shenandoah River. A
battle seems to be imminent. Ordered to wade the river. At that point the river
was waist deep. When over, a line was quickly formed. Ordered to lie down, our
clothes being wet. Before our division was all over, the enemy made a furious
attack on us from the woods, in our front and on our right. Our regiment had
the extreme right of the line. We fought them desperately and were losing many
of our boys. We held on as we expected help from the 6th Corps and Mulligan's
division, which did not come. We saw plainly the enemy massing a large force on
our right, as our regiment was holding that point. Our Colonel saw the
dangerous position that we were trying to hold and no prospect of help, ordered
left face, and to re-cross the river under a galling fire of musketry and
cannon. It was a fearful thing to re-cross that river, as it was deep in
places. Some of our boys who were wounded, drowned as they attempted to
re-cross before reaching the ford, or the place where we crossed. In this
battle it was claimed the rebs used explosive bullets on us. The opposite bank
where I crossed was about eight feet high, very slippery, made so by the men
who had climbed up before me. As I made my way almost to the top of the bank,
pulling myself up by the bushes, an explosive bullet struck near me. The report
and the fire from it caused me to loose my hold on the bushes and slip down the
bank into the river. At that time I thought I was a goner. Soaking wet, I made
another attempt to reach the top of the bank and was successful.
We were then forced to ascend through a large open field
under fire. Shot and shell flew furiously. General Wright finally ordered a
battery into position to protect us. As seen by the men in the ranks, it was
strange that a small force was ordered over that river to cope with Early's
force, and the 6th Corps near by.
Camp tonight at Snicker's Gap with the 6th Corps. Discussed
the events of the day. Discouraged and mad, saying hard things about General
Wright, Commander of the 6th Corps. Some things are hard to understand in the
life of a soldier.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 100-1
No comments:
Post a Comment