We passed last night the most magnificent estate I ever saw. It is called the "Tuilleries," and is owned by a Mr. Mitchell. Small-pox is getting a little too thick in this country, and I hope soon to leave it.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 138
First snow of the season. Snow commenced falling this morning and continued with but little intermission during the day. Many of our men are without shoes and there is no way to procure them.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 138
It has cleared off beautifully, and the snow will soon disappear.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 138
Remained "in order to move" all day, but night found us "without farther orders."
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139
Left White Post this morning for Winchester; passed through the latter place about midday and camped on the Martinsburg Turnpike, two and a half miles from Winchester.
Thus after nearly two months have passed away we find ourselves again heading towards Martinsburg, and possibly we may revisit that, to me, detestable place. Since my sojourn near Berry's Ferry and White Post I have formed the acquaintance of several estimable young ladies, among whom Miss Kate McC—k stands preëminent. Grand old people these Valley Virginians are, and their hearts are as large as their barns!
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139
Yesterday I came to the Union Hospital at Winchester to stay with a sick member of my company, Rufus G. Smith. He is very ill and cannot possibly recover. This disease is very prevalent in our army and is attributable to the constant exposure of our men.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139
Poor Rufus died this evening; 'twas heartrending to hear the piteous wails of his young wife and see the silent but deep anguish of his aged father. I was riding most of the night to procure some conveyance for his remains, but did not succeed, and we will have to bury him in Winchester.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139
Broke camp to-day and I suppose we are on the road towards Culpeper Courthouse; halted for the night near the little village of Middletown.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139
Was very ill last night—I am afraid I will have an attack of pneumonia, as my throat is quite sore. Crossed the north branch of the Shenandoah and camped near Woodstock. 'Tis bitterly cold and our troops suffer greatly.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139
Moved on to Mount Jackson and camped near that village.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139
Passed through the village of New Market; then leaving the Valley turn—pike we turned sharply off to the left and crossed the Massanutton Mountain into Page county. The scenery from this mountain was grand—equal to the Swiss Alps of Europe.
Spread out beneath us lay the beautiful Valley, dotted with numerous farm houses and smiling villages, whilst far away to the west the lofty North Mountains reared their proud heads into the fleecy clouds of heaven.
We camped for the night on the east side of the mountain and soon we will be on our way across the Blue Ridge.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 139-40
Only marched twelve miles to-day; camped near Hawksville, a small village in Page county.
SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 140
