Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: April 1, 1865

Weather improving, for which we are thankful. Good reports come from General Grant's army, pushing General Lee. General Sheridan left the valley with his cavalry corps. Infantry left at Winchester. Great excitement over reports that come to headquarters. Many visitors from town witness our dress parade. Boys are doing their best to make a fine appearance on parade, which takes place at 5 P. M.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 145

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: April 2, 1865

New recruits continue to come to our regiment. Some are assigned to our company. Our regiment in good condition, and ready for any kind of duty. Good news continues to come from the front. All are happy over the prospects of the war ending soon.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 145-6

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: April 3, 1865

Detailed for picket. Located out on outpost on the Tuscaror road, leading to the North Mountain, about one mile out of town. Have done picket duty on this road many times. At the edge of town all roads are barricaded and closed for the nights, to prevent a sudden dash from the guerillas and Confederate scouts. Report comes tonight that General Grant has taken Richmond and that General Lee has retreated. Good news.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 146

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: April 4, 1865

Relieved from picket this morning. On reaching camp there was great rejoicing over the good news. Reports continue to come about General Grant's success. Shouting and singing, glory hallelujah on all sides. Citizens and soldiers cheering over the good news. Bands and drum corps making all the music they can. We are at liberty to go and come as we please. Duty suspended as far as can be. In and out of town as we please. A happy time. The Union people in town are keeping open house. The soldiers are made welcome. The glorious Yankee Army are surely in Richmond. We are all thankful for the good news. This summer will surely find us in good old Connecticut. The singing and cheering is continuous.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 146

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 24, 1865

The past few days have been windy, with a cold rain, turning to hail and snow. The wind howling through our camp, coming from the North Mountain. Winter is hanging on. Every day we are led to believe that the war is about over with. No enemy has been reported in this vicinity for a long time. Picket duty is kept up.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 145

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 30, 1865

Nothing special for the past few days. Daily routine is kept up. When off duty tramp through the country, calling at the farms, meeting the old men. The young men are mostly in the army, either in the Union or the Confederate. Religious service is held in the log chapel, conducted by our good Chaplain, Walker, assisted by Chaplains from other regiments and the Christian Commission.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 145

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 14, 1865

This morning the 131st Ohio Regiment located near our camp. A new regiment. Just organized. Real young, fine looking fellows. Hope they won't be obliged to see hard service, for war is a cruel thing.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 144

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 15, 1865

Orders received for our regiment to report at Martinsburg. Must leave our winter quarters at Halltown. We are relieved by the 144th Indiana Regiment. Busy packing up, as we are to march tomorrow. Will pass one more night in our winter quarters. Time has passed very pleasant in this camp during the winter.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 144

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 16, 1865

Routed out very early this morning. Soon in line and on the march, taking the road on to Harper's Ferry. A great surprise to us when informed we go by train. Soon loaded into box cars, during a cold rain. A few miles out on the road the train came to a stop. Detained by the breaking down of a bridge. Cold and very uncomfortable in the cars. On the road all day. Arrived at Martinsburg just before dark. Relieved the 95th Ohio Regiment, taking their camp on the Winchester Pike, near the home of Mrs. Shults, my wash-woman, a fine old German lady.¹ Detailed for picket duty tonight, soon after our arrival.

______________

¹ A picture of her home can be seen on page 330, History of the 18th Connecticut Regiment,

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 144

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 20, 1865

Pleased with change from Halltown. Everything quiet. We believe the war is about over. Crowds of rebel deserters are coming inside our lines. They are sick and tired of the war, believe their cause is lost. We send them under guard to the Provost Marshal's office in town. Weather permitting, we drill and have dress parade. Our regiment in good condition for duty.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 145

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 1, 1865

Since the last date we have been visited by a cold rain, hard wind, hail, snow, mud. Very disagreeable weather for army life, but it must all be endured by soldiers. On picket duty. Corporal in charge of the outpost, about one half of a mile from the reserve quarters. On duty twenty-four hours from 3 P. M. We like the change from 9 A. M., the old custom.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 142

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 2, 1865

Last night a shot was heard beyond our outpost. Could not learn the cause. It seemed to be in the direction of Charlestown. About nine o'clock this morning I received a call from Captain Kibbe, Officer of the Guard, asked for any information that I could give. I could not give him any as it was beyond our outpost. Putting a man in charge of the outpost, the Captain ordered me to go with him for an investigation. The people we called on had not noticed it. They became used to the report of a gun and did not pay any attention to it. At the home of a Mr. Snyder we were invited in and received very pleasantly. As it came time for us to go, as it was getting near noon, they urged us to remain to dinner. The invitation was accepted. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Snyder and two young daughters. Mrs. Snyder was in very poor health, the daughters doing the house work. A fine chicken dinner was served for which we were very thankful. After dinner Mr. Snyder invited us out to take a look over his place. He was the owner of a grist and saw mill, and a large farm. We were treated very kindly by the whole family. All expressed sorrow over the war. The location was near Charlestown. When the time came for us to go, we received a very cordial invitation to call again. We made our way back to the picket post after our very enjoyable time and good dinner, on Sunday, March 2d, 1865.

At 3 P. M. we were relieved from picket duty. Made our way to camp with pleasant recollections of the good time that came to us on this Sunday on picket duty along the line of the Harper's Ferry and Winchester Railroad.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 142-3

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 4, 1865

A camp has been located a short distance north of ours. Reported that General Hancock will organize a veterans' corps at this point. It will be composed of men who have been in the service and wish to re-enlist. All is quiet in our camp.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 143

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 5, 1865

While on duty out in the lots and woods, we see many wild animals such as foxes, fox and gray squirrels. Some of the boys cannot resist the temptation to shoot them, which they dress and boil and eat. Our routine of duty is kept up.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 143

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 9, 1865

All is quiet. Our regiment voted for governor today. Ballots sealed in envelopes, to be opened in Connecticut on the day of election. Commissioners here to receive the ballots. We hope our war governor, Buckingham, will be re-elected.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 143

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: March 13, 1865

A little excitement this morning. Rebel cavalry made a dash for our picket line. Regiment called out, soon in line. We saw the rebs going up the valley, running their horses. More fresh fish received, as we call the recruits. A muddy time in camp, and bad weather.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 143-4

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: February 19, 1865

This morning we find eighteen inches of snow on the ground. Wading through the deep snow reminds me of a picture that I have often seen, Napoleon Bonaparte before Moscow. Duty must be attended to, no matter what the weather may be. The snow makes camp life very unpleasant. The heavy fall of snow at this time of year is a very great surprise, so the inhabitants report.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 141

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: February 20, 1865

The deep snow is settling down very fast, weather very mild. General Seward from Martinsburg a visitor in camp. The commander of our brigade and this section of the valley.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 141

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: February 21, 1865

Snow melting very fast. Must wade through the wet snow. Orders to fall in and to report at Bolivar Heights, near Harper's Ferry, a march of about four miles. When we arrived we were surprised to learn that we must witness the execution of two deserters. Strange that we must march so far to witness such a sad thing. Just before all things were ready, and in the nick of time, a pardon was received from President Lincoln. When it became known that a pardon was received there were a few faint cheers from some of the boys. For my part I was thankful that I did not have to witness the execution. Returned to camp late this afternoon.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 141

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: February 22, 1865

Routed out early this morning to prepare for a review and inspection by General Crook and staff. Report came to camp that Company I, at Duffield Station, had been attacked, but succeeded in driving the guerillas away.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 141