Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, December 6, 1864

We lay in camp all day. The day was spent in washing, cleaning and mending our clothes. The long march is beginning to tell on our clothing and shoes. My shoes are whole yet, but owing to so much sand, and wading through water, my feet are sore. My right foot is worn through on the bottom, and my toes are wet with blood every day. We are now within forty-five miles of Savannah, Georgia, and about ninety miles from Charleston, South Carolina. We can hear the large guns roaring from both places. The rebels are still retreating before us without much fighting. We are still in a rich country for foraging. Each regiment sends out its foraging party and we have plenty of sweet potatoes and fresh pork; We will have better roads now for marching as we approach Savannah. All is quiet in the rear of the army.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 235

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: August 2, 1864

A fine morning. All is quiet in camp. Found a place where I could wash my clothes and dry them. Drew rations. Am feeling fine. A hot sun and dusty roads to march over, a fellow cannot keep very clean. Having a good rest in the good cool woods. We cannot help to wonder why we are in this section of the woods, unless the enemy are somewhere about here. Private soldiers are not supposed to know anything, but to obey orders.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 109

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: March 29, 1862

Had a good bath in the creek, and washed my clothes — new experience. Very warm and sultry.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 10

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, June 2, 1864

A fine shower about noon cooled the air and laid the dust. The entire corps lay in camp all day, the men washing and mending their clothes, and the blacksmiths shoeing the horses and mules. We are in the valley between the Sandy and Lookout mountains, which are heavily timbered with pine and ash. The quartermaster's trains were sent out on forage today, but. although the farms in the valley are fairly good, there is little to be had, for the few farmers thought it useless to grow crops this summer.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 192

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: July 12, 1864

A fine morning. When relieved from duty went to the large spring for a bath. Called on Mrs. Shults, my wash-woman. A fine old German woman. Always did my washing and the mending of my clothes. Her old father lived with her. Owned a small home on the Winchester Pike, close to the town. They were pleased to see the Union soldiers in the town again. So far all things remain quiet. The enemy must be in this section.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 97

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: March 3, 1862

Commenced a letter to Theodore but did not finish. Bathed all over and changed my clothes. Got my washing done and some baking.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 8

Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, March 5, 1864

We are all glad to get back in camp again and to sleep in the bunks instead of lying on the ground in open bivouac. The boys spent the day in washing clothes and cleaning guns and accouterments.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 172

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: June 13, 1864

A hot morning. All is quiet. Gave my clothes a good washing, hanging them on the bushes to dry. A good swim and bath while waiting for them to dry. Dry quickly in this climate. No change of raiment, only one suit, we are in light marching order. A soldier's life in the field is not always one of cleanliness, marching in the dust and dirt, wading brooks and rivers, sleeping on the ground.

Orders from the Colonel. I have been made a corporal, for bravery on the battlefield of Piedmont, June 5th, 1864. So the orders read. I donned my chevrons for the honorable posish, 4th corporal, Company C, 18th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, at Lexington, Virginia, June 13th, 1864.

Marching orders received. We leave here tomorrow morning.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 75-6

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: June 6, 1864

Up early this clear, hot morning. During the night the wounded had been removed and cared for, and the dead buried. Our company's loss, twenty killed and wounded. The loss in the regiment, one hundred and thirty killed and wounded. None taken prisoners. The color-sergeants and the guard were all killed or wounded except one. They were a part of our company, as we were the color company. Very sad over our loss. Such is the life of a soldier. Rations running very low.

This morning, fifty rounds of cartridges given to each man, forty for our boxes, ten for our pockets. Left the battle field. Again on the march, rather slow, through wood-land, wondering what was in store for us. After being under way for about two hours, suddenly, great cheering was heard. The regiment came to a halt as the cheers came nearer to us. Reports came to us by scouts that our cavalry was in possession of Staunton, where we expected to meet with stubborn resistance. We were soon pushing for the town, said to be twelve miles away, at the upper end of the Shenandoah Valley. The march takes us over a rough, stony, hilly road, sometimes through the lots, giving up the roads to the artillery and wagon train. As we marched along there was much to be seen by inquisitive Yankees. We entered the town from the north, passing through what seemed to be the main street, going into camp on the west side.

The scenery in this vicinity is grand. Town located on hills and hillsides. Reminds us somewhat of our home town, Norwich, Connecticut. We are soldiers, doing hard service for our country in a cruel war, but for all that we cannot help but take in the fine scenery. We are living close to the earth, as we eat and sleep on the ground. We try to improve every opportunity to take a bath, wash our clothes, and swim. At this time the weather is very hot, dry, and dusty, which seems to come very soon after the rain. Thunderstorms, in this valley, are very fierce at times.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 70-72

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: June 1, 1864

In camp waiting for orders to advance. Skirmish drill during the forenoon. This afternoon went to the Shenandoah River. Gave my clothes a good washing, which they needed. Remained in the water, having a good bath and swim, until they were dry. It did not take long in the hot sun. No change of raiment for a soldier in the field. Managed to carry one extra pair of woolen stockings. Army brogans for soldiers. Marching orders received.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 65

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: April 27, 1864

Camp Hill, Bolivar Heights, near Harper's Ferry. Broke camp. I am detailed to go by train with regimental baggage, to load and unload and also to guard it. The regiment on the march. By noontime we had the baggage loaded and the train under way, which makes a good run. On arrival baggage was unloaded. Put up tent near railroad station. Must wait for the regiment. Called on the German people who did my washing and mending whenever we were in this vicinity. Mrs. Shults invited me to remain and have supper with the family. Such invitations did not come very often, but I accepted and enjoyed it.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 54-5

Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Monday, December 14, 1863

A pleasant day and all is quiet. This is washday in camp. But since there are so many negro women here, thankful for the job, and who do it so cheaply, most of the boys hire their clothes washed. I got my week's washing done for twenty-five cents. In the early morning we see dozens of negro women going to the springs, each with a tub of soiled clothes on her head and a pail in each hand, singing “the day ob jubilee hab come.” In the evening they return with the clean clothes in the same fashion, many of them singing some quaint negro melody.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 157

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: March 2, 1864

Came off picket duty. My laundry and repairs on my clothes I have done by a German woman in town. Called for my laundry. Had a bath, put on clean clothes, for which I am very thankful. Received a pass, visited town. No soldier can enter town without a permit, excuse and pass must come from the company commander. Coming off picket or guard duty a soldier is excused from all duty during the day, except dress parade. Much pride is taken in dress parade, then we wear our good clothes.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 43

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: July 24, 1863

Marching orders. Broke camp. After a short march, go into camp on high ground near the Potomac River. Plenty of water here where we could bathe and wash our clothes, hang them on the bushes and wait for them to dry. We also used the river water to drink and make coffee. The current ran very swift at this point.

(During my army life I drank, made coffee, fished, bathed, washed my clothes, waded through, its blue waters. When clear it was blue as one looked at it. When storms came it was yellow, the color of Virginia and Maryland mud.)

We only enjoyed our camp near the Potomac for a few days, when marching orders were received, to report at Hagerstown, Maryland, about ten miles from Sharpsburg, or about eight from our camp. At Hagerstown the Seminary and the grounds were used for a rebel prison and hospital, where we were to do guard and picket duty. Many of the poor fellows confined there died from wounds and disease. While the duty was not very laborious, it was not very pleasant. This is a fine section of Maryland, scenery fine. A large spring, walled in, in the center of the city, from which we obtained water. Quite a large number were confined here as prisoners of war. Here we also came in contact with an army of pedicules, which kept us very busy fighting them. Our boys claimed they bore on their backs the letters C. S. A., Confederate States America. The Seminary and grounds covered quite a tract of land. Our camp was placed as far as could be and still be on the grounds enclosed.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 27-8

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, July 24, 1863

We remained here in bivouac all day. Orders came for our brigade to return to Black river bridge and remain there until relieved by General Sherman. The cars are coming through now from Vicksburg twice a day. We are very anxious for mail, having had none for many days, and are disappointed in not receiving any today. We put in our time today cleaning clothes.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 131

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, May 2, 1863

The weather has been warm and quite pleasant for several days and the roads are drying fast. Things are very quiet here. Colonel Hall is now in command of our brigade. We have drill twice a day, though this afternoon there was none, in order to give the boys time to wash their clothes and clean up for inspection. I received $5.00 from Captain McLoney, for the month of April, as cook for the officers' mess.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 112

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, June 23, 1862

Nothing of importance. I went out to the branch a mile from camp to do my washing. Burtis Rumsey of our company has been sick for about two weeks and he begged me to take two of his shirts along and wash them for him, so I did.  I used a small camp kettle which the company cook has set aside for boiling clothes. Some of the boys in the company hire colored women to wash their clothes. I prefer to do my own washing.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54-5