Pleasant Valley,
October 9th, 1862.
We moved from Antietam day before yesterday, in order, as
reported, to be nearer our supplies. However, as soldiers know nothing of
movements until after they are made, we may leave here today. As I was writing
the last sentence, I learned we are to move this afternoon, about two miles,
where we will have more room and better accommodations. The order to march is
always welcome to me. I hate the monotony of camp life. The same is true of
nearly all our regiment. We want to finish up our work and go home to our
families—for nearly all have families. From our old camp to the present one is
about twelve miles—the toughest twelve miles I ever traveled. Our route lay
over the Elk Ridge Mountain, about six miles winding up its steep, rocky sides,
the remaining half down the opposite side, the midday sun pouring his fierce
rays against its rocky surface, making the heat well-nigh unbearable. There was
not even a whispering breeze to cool our throbbing brows. Two men of our
brigade melted down and died, while hundreds fell out by the way and came
straggling into camp next morning. The movement was foolishly conducted on the
principle of a forced march when there was no call for haste. I was quite lame
at the time, having cut a deep gash in my heel a few days before, which
compelled me to walk on the toe of that foot. This made walking over such a
road and for so long a distance rather difficult. I fell behind the regiment
for the first time, but came into camp about sundown. Some companies left
nearly every man by the roadside.
On Friday Robert Covert and myself went down to the river to
wash our clothing. The day was hot, and Robert went in to bathe. I was sitting
on the shore, in company with others of my regiment, dreamily watching the
sportive antics of the bathers, when my attention was attracted to Robert by
what I thought to be a peal of laughter.
With an exclamation of horror I sprang to my feet. "My
God, boys, he's sinking, drowning!" He had made but two or three strokes
when taken with cramps and rendered helpless. I will long remember the pleading
look, the agonized cry, as he rose to the surface. There was no time for
thought; he was going down the second time; in a moment he will be beyond our
reach. I cannot swim, but I seized a long pole and plunged in. It was not quite
long enough to reach the place where he went down, but at that instant a man
stripped for a swim rushed past me, and, holding to the end of my pole, threw
his shirt to Robert as he came to the surface. He caught it, and we pulled him
to the shore.
I am frequently asked how I like soldiering. For a wonder, I
am not disappointed. If anything, it is more endurable than I expected to find
it. There are hardships as a matter of fact, it is all hardship—but I was
prepared for all that. I expected to suffer—to endure—and find myself the
gainer by it. While others say: "If I had known, I would not have
enlisted," I can say with truth I am glad I did. If I can be of service to
my country, I will be satisfied. That which troubles and annoys me most, others
do not seem to mind. It is the intolerable, nauseating stench that envelops a
military camp. My olfactories have become SO acutely sensitive I can smell an
encampment "afar off." Many complain of the strictness of military
discipline. That does not trouble me. The law is a "terror to evil doers.”
I am thankful for the many kind friends I have found here. I hail with delight
the President's proclamation. I believe it is a step in the right direction.
SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of
a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 15-7