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
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