Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: February 25, 1865

About midnight last night we were aroused by sharp firing. Made us open our eyes and ears. Ready for any sudden call. All we could do was to listen and wait. Soon all became quiet. Those of us off duty soon dropped asleep again. This morning we learned the cause of the firing last night. Two scouting parties of the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry met, each taking the other for the enemy. Opened fire on one another. No harm was done in the dark. It created some excitement on the picket line.

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

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Tuesday, July 21, 1863

Night rainy, the 26 33. & 36 Iowa regts out on a scout this A. M. News today good.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 493

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Monday, July 6, 1863

Very tired. Jake died 1.30 A M. 117 Ill. 5th Kansas cav. out on scout brought in 100 prisonors. afternoon 117 Ill. go to Memphis.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 492

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Tuesday June 9, 1863

5th K. cav. 36th la inf. on a scout today. Herons div. comeing in all day. Rained at night.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 491

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Wednesday May 27, 1863

Not so well. Dr Warren visits us this morning also in the evening. Weather very hot and dry 800 wounded go up the river 29th Iowa out on scout all day

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 490

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Monday, March 30, 1863

Ordered off early on a scout. (reg.) Waded water 3 ft deep, wounded 1 reb. none of ours hurt, in camp at 3. P. M. Prisoner broke guard. retaken. Weather very cool.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 486

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Thursday, March 26, 1863

Nothing unusual till afternoon supper ordered at 5 P. M. to go on fatigue at night, went to plant battery was too light to work Pickets firing at all times of night 29th Iowa went out scouting captured 3 prisonors.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 486

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Sunday, April 13, 1862

Rain begins at guard-mounting. A year ago today Sumter was taken. Great events, great changes, since then. The South was eager, prepared, “armed and equipped.” The event found the North distracted, undecided, unarmed, wholly unprepared, and helpless. Then came the rousing up of the lion-hearted people of the North. For months, however, the superior preparation of the South triumphed. Gradually the North, the Nation, got ready; and now the victory over Beauregard and [that] at [Island] Number 10, following Fort Donelson, put the Nation on firm ground, while the Rebellion is waning daily. Tonight received Commercial of the 10th, with pretty full accounts of the great battles.

Captain Haven and Lieutenant Bacon, Companies G and K, marched seventy miles on their late scout into Monroe. Scout Jackson, Company B, gone one week today toward Logan. I hope he is all right.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 228

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Friday, March 13, 1863

All on shore at 9.30 A. M. G co. sent out on scout, captured 7 negro and horse, connonading at the fort from 10.15 A. M till dark Luella down today no mail Wenona down in the evening, all on board at night.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 485

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: June 12, 1862

Another false alarm. Whole brigade in arms. Scouted about some. Nothing unusual. Grazed my horse.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 18

Diary of Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle: Thursday, April 9, 1863

Captain Hancock and Mr Anderson left for Bagdad in Mr Behnsen's carriage at noon.

I crossed over to Brownsville at 11.30, and dined with Colonels Luckett, Buchel, and Duff, at about one o'clock. As we were all colonels, and as every one called the other colonel tout court, it was difficult to make out which was meant. They were obliged to confess that Brownsville was about the rowdiest town of Texas, which was the most lawless state in the Confederacy; but they declared they had never seen an inoffensive man subjected to insult or annoyance, although the shooting-down and stringing-up systems are much in vogue, being almost a necessity in a thinly-populated state, much frequented by desperadoes driven away from more civilised countries.

Colonel Luckett gave me a letter to General Van Dorn, whom they consider the beau ideal of a cavalry soldier. They said from time immemorial the Yankees had been despised by the Southerners, as a race inferior to themselves in courage and in honourable sentiments.

At 3 P.M. Colonel Buchel and I rode to Colonel Duffs camp, distant about thirteen miles. I was given a Mexican saddle, in which one is forced to sit almost in a standing position. The stirrups are very long, and right underneath you, which throws back the feet.

Duff's regiment is called the Partisan Eangers. Although a fine lot of men, they don't look well at a foot parade, on account of the small amount of drill they have undergone, and the extreme disorder of their clothing. They are armed with carbines and six-shooters.

I saw some men come in from a scouting expedition against the Indians, 300 miles off. They told me they were usually in the habit of scalping an Indian when they caught him, and that they never spared one, as they were such an untamable and ferocious race. Another habit which they have learned from the Indians is, to squat on their heels in a most peculiar manner. It has an absurd and extraordinary effect to see a quantity of them so squatting in a row or in a circle.

The regiment had been employed in quelling a counter revolution of Unionists in Texas. Nothing could exceed the rancour with which they spoke of these renegadoes, as they called them, who were principally Germans.

.

When I suggested to some of the Texans that they might as well bury the body of Mongomery a little better, they did not at all agree with me, but said it ought not to have been buried at all, but left hanging as a warning to other evil-doers.

With regard to the contentment of their slaves, Colonel Duff pointed out a good number they had with them, who had only to cross the river for freedom if they wished it.

Colonel Buchel and I slept in Colonel Duffs tent, and at night we were serenaded. The officers and men really sang uncommonly well, and they finished with "God save the Queen!"

Colonel Duff comes from Perth. He was one of the leading characters in the secession of Texas; and he said his brother was a banker in Dunkeld.

SOURCE: Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle, Three months in the southern states: April-June, 1863, p. 18-20

Diary of Mary Brockenbrough Newton: May 30, 1862

This morning two horsemen rode up, and seeing our cold looks, said, “Ladies, do you take us for Yankees?” “Of course we do—are you not Yankees?” “Oh, no; we belong to the Augusta troop, and want to hear something of the movements of the enemy.” We pointed to their pickets, and implored them to go at once. We, of course, filled their haversacks, and they were scouting about the woods for some time. Oh, how our hearts go out towards our own people!

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 139-40

Official Report: Scout from Centreville to Aldie, Va., August 16-19, 1863: Report of Col. Charles R. Lowell, Jr., Second Massachusetts Cavalry.

Report of Col. Charles R. Lowell, jr., Second Massachusetts Cavalry.

CENTREVILLE, VA.,

August 20, 1863.

COLONEL: Returned last night. Could not get a fight out of White. Started on Saturday, 15th, with 200 men. On Sunday explored country around Dranesville and south of Goose Creek. Could not learn that he had been in that neighborhood with more than 40 men. Found that he had passed west by Ball's Mills with that number on Saturday. Accordingly went to Aldie, scouting all the country south of Goose Creek. Found that testimony was in favor of his main camp still being near Leesburg. Sent unshod horses to Centreville, and ordered up about 50 more men to meet me at Ball's Mills. Through misunderstanding was joined by over 300 more.

Hearing of your dispatch about reported camp near Lewinsville, sent 100 men (Sixteenth New York Cavalry) again through that country. They returned last night, reporting no force there. Saw no traces of more than 2 or 3 together anywhere. Dividing my remaining 400 men, went by various routes through Leesburg, Waterford, and Hughesville, rendezvousing at Mount Gilead at 9 p.m., and passing south through Coe's Mill to Mountville.

Learned during the night that White's battalion was encamped about 2 miles north of Middleburg, on Goose Creek. Started at 2.30 a.m., hoping to surprise them, but he had word of my approach from Mount Gilead, and had changed camp during the night. I sent out small scouting parties, who found about 100 of his men still in the immediate neighborhood, but they were on the alert, and ran when a company was sent to engage them. Lost several hours trying to get near them, but the country is very open there and they were determined to keep out of the way. Gave up the attempt; sent a party down across Bull Run Mountains, and another back by Carter's Mills, and passed through Aldie myself. Found nowhere any force Returned to camp with 10 prisoners – White's and Mosby's.

White himself is very rarely with his battalion. He passes about the country with an escort of from 30 to 40 men. The battalion generally numbers about 250 strong, being left under the command of Major Ferneyhough. White is looking up-recruits and deserters, many of his men having been at home since the army went into Maryland. He has now six companies, with over 700 men on his rolls, and prisoners say that he expects to take that number with him when he leaves the country.

 C. R. LOWELL, JR.,

 Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Forces.

Col. J. H. TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 29, Part 1 (Serial No. 48), p. 74-5

Diary of Major Rutherford B. Hayes: November 1, 1861

Camp Tompkins. — Cold, gusty, but sunshiny. The fine band of the Second Kentucky does discourse glorious music. A dapper little fellow with a cane, “a nice young man,” fit for Fourth Street in piping times of peace, walked by my tent just now. Not a fellow in camp with his army blue, tattered or not, who does not feel above him.

The enemy have just begun to fire on the ferry and on the teams and passers between here and Gauley Bridge. They have cannon and riflemen on the opposite side of New River. Went with Sweet scouting to ascertain exact position of enemy. Followed up rills and ravines, running imminent risk of breaking necks; discovered tolerable views of the enemy. The echoes of the cannon and bursting shells were grand in these defiles. Two of our men slightly wounded. The ferry stopped during daylight (but doing double duty at night), is all that was accomplished. Great waste of ammunition, great noise, excitement among soldiers. Vox praterea nihil. Got home at night, tired enough, in the rain.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 134

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: July 10, 1864

Back Creek, seven miles from Martinsburg. Some of the companies are out scouting about all the time. The enemy must be near. All sorts of rumors are in circulation. Our scouts do not run up against the Confederates. Bridge over this creek has been destroyed. When we cross it, must wade. We are well acquainted in this section, having done much duty along the line of this railroad.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 96

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: July 9, 1864

This fine morning finds me on picket near Cherry Run, Maryland. Nothing important occurred so far. Late this afternoon relieved from picket. Ordered to join the regiment, it having left Cherry Run and advanced east along the line of the railroad, towards Martinsburg. After pushing along from six to eight miles, found headquarters located at Back Creek, the regiment having reached here in the early morning. Companies A and C were out on scout duty in the direction of Martinsburg. They returned late tonight without having found the enemy. The railroad is badly damaged. Business on the line is suspended east of Cumberland, as far as Harper's Ferry. This is an important railroad through to the west. It has met with great losses on account of the war.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 96

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: June 9, 1864

This morning still finds us at Staunton. Called out early. Marched through the town. Destruction goes on. It certainly looks bad for this town. It seems to be a part of war. A large Confederate hospital is located here, also a retreat for the insane. Among the buildings destroyed are large tobacco warehouses, much of the contents thrown into the streets. Tobacco plenty. Many of our boys carried much of it into the Confederate hospital, giving it to the poor fellows confined there. They were pleased and thankful, some even saying they were glad we came, so I was informed by those who went to the hospital.

Our regiment scouting through the country along the line of the railroad, picking up horses and cattle wherever we found them. Also protect the boys of the 5th New York Heavy Artillery who were busy destroying the railroad. By the time we leave here there won't be much left in this vicinity.

Our scouts manage to find some meal and flour. We are getting a part of our living in this vicinity. We use a half of a canteen for a frying pan, a stick for a handle, so we have pancakes, or, as the boys call them, toe-jam, and fresh meat. The buildings destroyed in town and along the line of the railroad were factories and warehouses, and some public buildings. To my knowledge no dwelling houses were burned up. In camp tonight.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 73

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, August 25, 1861

Beverly, Virginia, August 25, 1861, Sunday A. M.

Dearest: — Supposing I might have to go on towards Cheat Mountain this morning, I wrote you a very short note last night I now write so soon again to show you how much I love you and how much my thoughts are on the dear ones at home.

I never enjoyed any business or mode of life as much as I do this. I really feel badly when I think of several of my intimate friends who are compelled to stay at home. These marches and campaigns in the hills of western Virginia will always be among the pleasantest things I can remember. I know we are in frequent perils, that we may never return and all that, but the feeling that I am where I ought to be is a full compensation for all that is sinister, leaving me free to enjoy as if on a pleasure tour.

I am constantly reminded of our trip and happiness a year ago. I met a few days ago in the Fifth Regiment the young Moore we saw at Quebec, who went with me to see the animals at Montreal one Sunday. Do you remember the rattlesnakes?

Young Bradford goes to Cincinnati today. — We have our troubles in the Twenty-third of course, but it is happiness compared with the Guthries — fine fellows and many fine officers, but, etc., etc.

We saw nothing prettier [last year] than the view from my tent this morning. McCook's men are half a mile to the right, McMullen's Battery on the next hill in front of us. The Virginia Second a half mile in front, and the Guthries to the left. We on higher ground see them all; then mountains, meadow, and stream. Nothing wanting but you and the boys.

I want to say to you it will be impossible often, as we get further in the hills, to write, and when I do write it will be only a few lines. Don't think I am getting weaned from you and home. It is merely the condition of things compels me.

I saw young Culbertson, looking strong and healthy, Channing Richards, the Andersons, etc., etc., all ditto. Young Culbertson is now in a scouting party that is after guerrillas who murdered some of their men in an ambulance.

I have got a new boy — a yellow lad in Guthrie Gray uniform, aged about sixteen, named Theodore Wilson.

Sunday evening. — Just got orders to go to Huttonsville. Look on my map of Virginia and you will see it geography style, but the beautiful scenery you will not see there. We are to be for the present under General Reynolds, a good officer, and then General Benham or General Rosecrans. All good. The colonel takes our one-half and the German half of McCook and the battery of McMullen. The soldiers are singing so merrily tonight. It is a lovely sweet starlit evening. I rode over to Colonel Sandershoff (I think that is the name of McCook's soldierly and gentlemanly lieutenant-colonel) to tell him about the march, and from his elevated camp I could see all the camps, “sparkling and bright.” I thought of the night you walked with me about Camp Chase.

Good-night. Our most advanced outpost is connected by telegraph, so that in Cincinnati you will know what happens at an early date; earlier far than any letter of mine can reach you. Kisses to all the boys. Love to Grandma and affection enough for you, dearest.

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes.

P. S. — It would do mother good to know that I read three chapters in the Testament she sent me. Send a quarter's worth of postage stamps in your next.

Mrs. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 76-8

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: Sunday, March 20, 1864

Detailed for picket duty. Posted about two miles up the river, between the river and the canal, on the tow path. Our company, C, and the Loudon Rangers ordered to ford the river for a scout into Virginia. Returned quite late. Nothing important obtained. Bad time of the year to ford rivers. Snow squalls still greet us. It doesn't last very long, but helps to increase the circulation of the mud. Campfire burning all the time. We often burn our clothes by keeping too close to it. We live close to the earth. In warm weather we have a better show to keep clean, bathe, and wash our clothes.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 47

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, August 21, 1861

Buckhannon, Virginia, August 21, 1861.

Dear Mother: — You may send this letter, showing my whereabouts, to Lucy. I have no time to write much. On Sunday night, about 12 o'clock, we were ordered to quietly pack and march rapidly to this place. Some of our men had just returned from long scouting expeditions. They were weary with marching over the hills in rain and mud, and here was another march without sleeping. It was borne cheerfully — the men supposing it was to meet an enemy.

We find this a lovely spot, superior in some respects to the scenery about Weston. We have a beautiful camp about one and one-half miles from the village. There are here parts of five regiments — all but this from Cincinnati. Men are constantly arriving, showing the rapid concentration at this point of a large body of troops. We are ignorant of its purpose, but suppose it to be for service. We are all so healthy. I meet many Cincinnati friends and enjoy the greetings.

I received a letter from Uncle, directed to Clarksburg. I suppose that is still the best place to direct my letters. Write often. Let Uncle know where I am and how lately you have heard from me. Love to all.

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes.

Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 72-3