Harper's Ferry. A fine morning. Early on board train,
waiting for it to move. At 8 A. M. the train began to move slowly along the
banks of the Shenandoah River, on over the iron bridge across the Potomac
River, into Maryland. The cheering was loud, with shouts of “Good-bye old
Virginia.” The cheering echoed and re-echoed between the mountains of Maryland
and Virginia. I knew all the points of interest in this vicinity. We are in
passenger cars, running along the banks of the Potomac River. At the Point of Rocks,
about ten miles from Harper's Ferry, the road turns to the left, headed to the
north. At this point we bid farewell to the old Potomac. No more picket duty
along its banks in all kinds of weather, watching for the enemy, and looking at
the turkey buzzards as they go sailing through the air. Many times have I waded
the old Potomac, swam in its water, drank it, made coffee, fished in it. When
clear its waters appeared blue, or yellow from the storms. Either blue or
yellow we were obliged to use it and make the best of it.
The country looked fine with its summer dress on, as we
passed through it. Arrived in Baltimore this afternoon. Marched from the Camden
Street station, across the city to the Philadelphia Railroad station. Passed
through Pratt Street, the point where the 6th Massachusetts Regiment was
attacked in April 1861. Soon on board train where hilarity continued. No one
allowed to go to sleep. All are in good spirits and very happy as we go
speeding on towards Philadelphia, bound for home.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 157-8
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