Bunker Hill. A very severe rain storm set in last night. We
are wet through. Orders to march on to Martinsburg. My feet keep me reminded of
the rough roads, stubs and briers in the lots. We reach Martinsburg after a
march of ten miles. After holding the enemy in check for a while we are again
on the march. I picked up a pair of old boots, no doubt discarded by some
cavalryman. They were much too large for me, and not having stockings I could
not wear them as they galled my feet, making them worse. Was obliged to throw
them away.
After a very tedious march we reached Williamsport on the
Potomac River, twenty miles from Bunker Hill. Will remain here for the night.
Foot-sore, weary, glad to lie down for the night on the wet ground for rest and
sleep. Often wonder how the men can keep so patient. Sometimes we are made to
feel that much of our trouble is brought on to us by jealousy and mismanagement
on the part of our officers high up in rank. Our boys are always ready for any
kind of duty. We have made marches over this Williamsport Pike before. Like all
the pikes it is hard marching over the rough stones, up and down hill. That's
our experience.
SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary,
1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 105-6
