The Great Skedaddle

June 17, 1864. — While laying on the skirmish line tonight we knew when reinforcements came to the enemy. They were chopping and hammering all night. We waited anxiously and wondered why our forces were idle but concluded that the Cavelry were flanking them. We supposed Grant would send us reinforcements. We heard heavy canonading afar off in our front.

June 18th. — After the battle, Hunter made preparations to retreat. The waggon trains were soon started back but we did not think such a thing possible. We must and would take Lynchburg at all hazards; rations we must have and we could get them only in Lynchburg. We could never retreat, that was impossible; if we were not all captured we should most certainly starve.
Our dead and most of our wounded fell into the enemy’s hands. Our battle lines were kept up and our skirmish lines strengthened. This was done in order to deceive the enemy for our rear was already on the retreat. At half past 8 Pm we were right about faced and marched by the flank. We had not marched 10 minutes until we saw enough to satisfy us that we were retreating. Everything was moved with caution and in perfect order. It was a very bad place to get an army from without alarming the enemy.
The Cavelry left their horses some distance back and opened a brisk fire all along the line. The firing served to drown the noise of our retreat. We thought when we were going to Lynchburg that we had an awful large army and nothing could stand before it. We have since learned, to our cost, that it was too small to go where we went. We also found that it was not impossible to overcome us. The troops are not so very differently constituted. Rebel soldiers fight splendidly and there is no better soldiers to bear burdens or suffer privations or defeats.
We were hundreds of miles away from reinforcements and supplies. Our amunition was nearly exhausted and we had no rations or place to get any. We were already worn with hunger and exhaustion from the last 4 days and nearly sleepless nights. Some were completely exhausted and had no control of themselves. They fell and were of course gobbled.
Some two miles out we came upon some of our boys who had been ordered to cook beef. We got about half a pound each. That beef raised our spirits. We marched all night, nor rested until ten o’clock the next morning. Those fortunate enough to have anything to eat cooked it and those that had none went without.
The houses were searched high and low. The Cavelry generally go in advance and pick up everything that is eatable that could be found. We again passed through Liberty and encamped about one mile out of the town. A good many went foraging. They found some flour and some pigs and had quite a good supper.
The Rebs came up on our rear this afternoon and attacted with spirit. They whacked our Cavelry badly and drove them through Liberty. Averell met them with heavy columns and checked them. Everything moved lively now. The waggon trains started on. Hundreds were set to chopping down trees and throwing down fences. Such a hammering as you never heard was kept up until midnight. The noise was to deceive them and deaden the sound of our trains. The trees were felled to obstruct progress in following up our rear.
We marched until the noon of the 20th, then halted very hungry. Before going into camp some pigs were discovered. Several broke for them, firing regardless of the troops.
We are now marching again in this lovely valley. We traveled close by the RR leading from Lynchburg to Salem some 60 miles. The RR had been destroyed for about 100 miles. Whenever we halted for a few minutes fences were fired, rails piled on the RR track and fires started. Dwelling Houses, Mills, Furnaces, Manufactorys of all kinds were burned.
Our army marched one column on each side of the road and the Artilery in the centre. The waggon trains also kept the middle of the road, sometimes two abreast. Our columns traveled through most of their fine dooryards and gardens. It was gay to pluck the strawberries and honeysuckles but we could only make a grab as we passed on.
The negroes have had no chance to escape until now. We have an army of them on our hands, nearly all of them carrying great bundles of clothing hastily packed. Old men and women, children and babies all going for freedom. Some of them took their masters buggys and loaded them with young nigs and rode along quite stilish. They saw trouble before they reached the Ohio. Our army left 8 mile gap near night.

June 20th. — We waited until all the troops except a small force of cavelry passed by. We brought up the rear. I found a small bag of coffee and pepper in the berry in the road. It was a Godsend to me. When passing through a large town tonight we burned a woolen factory and foundary, then broke for the houses in the dead of the night. The soldiers went into dairys and took milk and butter and cows. I could not make up my mind to go on these expeditions until I was nearly starved.
Every room and cellar would be cleaned out in a short time. The garden would be filled by as many as it could hold and all the vegetables taken, the potatoes dug or spoiled in 5 or ten minutes and nothing left but the tops scattered upon the ground. The potatoes were not much larger than peas or hickory nuts. They were eaten raw as soon as obtained.
Those living on the immediate route suffered the most. I do not recollect seeing or hearing of any outrages being commited by our men on that route; nothing but plundering to satisfy our starving bodys and perhaps, I might say, weak minds.
We halted at Salem two hours. The Rebels pursued us very closely and we were afraid they would catch us in Salem gap. They took a shorter route and we surely thought they would head us off. If they had accomplished this they surely would have taken our whole army. Gen Hunter knew that we could not make Staunton without being headed off in these gaps. His men were hungry and dispirated. His horses wore played out for want of forage, and we had not amunition enough to fight one good battle.
Salem is a very pretty town. The Aleganys in some places appear to hang over the town. We rested here about two hours and marched soon after noon, our Brigade taking the advance. The outlet of this mountain pass had been blockaded by falling t rees for 3 or 4 miles.
Gen Duffer had been sent, on ahead with a large Cavelry force to clear the road and reconnoiter in the vicinity. He sent back word that all was clear and the road well guarded. This was a mistake. There was no guard. The long waggon train was shoved up into the gap, the Artilery following close. The mountains jut closely together scarcely leaving space for a narrow road. It was impossible for one team to pass another. The Rebels hid near the road on the side of the mountain. When the waggon train came up they left that pass and when the Artilery came they slid down upon them.
There was some 3 or 4000 of the Rebs. They fired a few shots into the head teams, then they fired upon the men and ordered them to surrender. They cut the horses loose and sent them, and the men they had taken, away up some ravine. They cut the wheels and spokes of the waggons and knocked off the trunnions of our guns. They battered and spiked some, tipped over limbers, threw out the amunition, and set fire to some. We had about 20 pieces stove up and ruined in a very short time. We hurried to the rescue on the double quick. The sun shone down upon us in that narrow gorge with uncommon heat and we went on and on, on a run. We soon came up to the Cavelry and Artilery men. The former were working around and trying to catch the raiders. The Artillerymen were idle, some of them had escaped from the Rebs.
They were mostly Germans, great strong swarthy men that you would not think had any feeling for anything. Some lay bleeding whilst others were lamenting for their poor horses and lost guns. There were waggons burning with amunition in them. They were cut, burned and hacked to pieces for the space of about three miles, thrown over the bank, &c. We got to the front at last, 7 miles in 85 minutes by the watch.
Ninety of the Artilery horses were found and shot as they had to be left. The Rebels took perhaps 100 prisoners. We captured some. We rested one hour. Seven miles brought us to the top of the mountain. The road was very crooked and the ascent steep. I was nearly played out. It was 4 miles down the mountain.
We went into camp about dark. This had been a hard days march, about 30 miles in 20 hours with all these difficulties to contend with and worst of all an empty stomach.

June 22nd. — I came back to 14 mile gap. There is some talk of dividing our force and sending part of them across West Virginia to Cumberland or Grafton. It was finally decided that we should remain together. The full trains started early. Crook commanded now: ‘Take the lead and keep it until we reach the Ohio.’ His troops are acquainted with the route.
We are in Gen Sullivans Division. A Rebel scout got a part of the train to take the wrong route and they had to come back to the place of starting. We did not get fairly under way until nearly noon. This misleading has been done several times. The Rebel scouts dress in our uniform and mix with our men and then do all the mischief they can. They are sometimes very bold and risk their lives on one bold stroke. A Rebel scout and spy marched with our troops all the way from Staunton to Buccannon. He was not detected until he attempted to get our train on the wrong route. Averill had him shot at once. Our scouts do the same. There are many scouts in both camps but it is dangerous business. They get big pay.
I became so fatigued that I took but very little notice of anything. After getting the trains back, we again started for Newcastle. It was about 12 o’clock when we finally got started. There was no mountains of any account to climb today. The roads were good but very dusty, the dust completely blinding and nearly choaking us at times. We got about 3 spoon fulls of flour and 2 ounces of bacon each.
We passed a family of aged Unionists. They offered us all they had. We did not accept anything for they were very poor. At another place a barrel of flour was found. The woman said her mistress was sick and if we took that flour the family would starve. A Captain said his men would starve without it and he took it.
We forded one stream 17 times, some 30 yards wide and knee deep. The guards on the waggon train fired their pieces. We were hurried up on double quick, splashing through the stream every few rods and tumbling over logs, brush and rocks in the dark. We found it was only a ruse to hurry us up for we were the rear guard. The train had not been fired upon at all. From now on we took our own time, arriving in camp at Newcastle about 9 o’clock, traveling some 12 miles since noon.

June 23rd. — The road is very difficult today, over high mountains and as crooked as these pencil lines. [Here the artist has plotted the tortuous route beyond Newcastle.] We have to cross three mountains, making 28 miles. Water was almost out of the question.
All suffered severely, even those with full canteens, for they were drained in traveling 3 or 4 miles, owing to our great exertions, heat, weakness, &c. We got over the first mountain; at its base ran a stream of water. The horses and mules were nearly exhausted and contrary to the general rule many of them were allowed to have a few swallows. This hindered everything behind them and as the waggon trains are very long it takes a very long time, as only 2 or 3 teams can be watered at one time. I got disheartened at last and left the ranks. I took a short cut down the mountain, crossed the road a few times and came to the brook.
I took a good drink. I washed myself and lay down and took a rest of nearly an hour. When they came up I fell in again. I had saved some distance, got some rest and was all right while those who stood to their post were weary for want of rest. This is a play-off and against orders, but I consider myself justified. Many had been taken sick and were either in the waggon train or left behind, as many as 3 or 4 hundred. Many of our men had become so fatigued and exhausted that they cared but little what become of them. They would go a few steps from the road and get into the bushes or lie down behind a log or fence, to keep out of sight of officers. They would sleep so sound that they would not wake until they were gobbled by the Robs who followed like a pack of jackals to pick up straglers. The rear guard left many behind. What else could they do? When a man gets entirely played out, what can you do with him? Coaxing, threatning or even killing him does not mend the matter at all.
The Artilery horses and mules began to linger; a great many of them could go no farther. Something like 50 waggons were burned. This left the road full of old rubbish and played out nags. Sick and straglers mounted these nags and rode as far as they could.
The second mountain presents greater difficulty; hundreds of teams and Cavelry horses gave out. The Cavelry are compelled to walk. I finally got to the top of the mountain after great exertion.
The rear guard said they had shot 700 horses and mules on this mountain alone. Many of them were young and valuable if they could have been fed. There was no pasture here now and perhaps never had been. But what was the loss of animals when compared with the loss of human life? Our brave boys were falling by the way with hunger and fatigue.
Look where you would, you could see nothing but mountains. The darkness prevented us from witnessing many painful sights. I did not wish to see anything and therefore kept my eyes on the ground and my senses closed as much as possible and plodded on among the thick moss. I stumbled nearly every rod against a horse or mule either standing or lying down to die. I could hear them as they fell or were thrown from the road, as they rolled and tumbled over and over down the side of the mountain among the bushes. Such crackling and groaning as they made that night I can never forget.
We reached the foot about midnight and went into camp at Sweet Springs. It was truly an oasis, this beautiful watering place.

June 24th. — A few families still live here. Although we camped in this beautiful valley, what charms had it for a famishing army? The officers gave us liberty to get food if we could find it. Some few got a little. The Cavelry are in advance and they generally clean out everything.
Crook’s long columns come next. Officers and orderlies scour the country far and wide. Officers select the most daring and theiving men from the ranks of every regiment whose special business it is to provide such comforts as can be found. They are furnished with passes and can go anywhere in the camp or out of the line. The more plunder these foragers can get and the more horses they can steal the better they are liked.
We have 40 or 50 cooks and orderlies in this Regiment who are taken from the ranks to wait upon the officers. This is entirely against the rules. The government loses their services entirely.
Col Lewis’ house was ransacked and plundered. When permission was given to forage hundreds rushed to this large brick house elegantly furnished and surrounded with beautiful lawns. The Col’s wife was a sister of the notorious John B. Floyd¹ (that was enough). The house was ransacked from top to bottom. Clothing, plate, money and a variety of other things were taken and a great deal was destroyed. The boys acted like madmen and destroyed much that was of no use to them. They found wine and other liquors of which they partook freely. They played upon the piano and then pocketed the keys for mementoes. The Col finally got a hearing. A Captain of the 34th was sent to the house and arrested all who were found there.
I was disgusted with the whole affair. I could not blame them for taking provision. All I got was a few small potatoes and some currants from the garden. I was not starved yet. A few days later I wished for a like opportunity which I think I should have profited by. We broke camp about noon and marched for White Sulpher Springs, 18 or 20 miles away.
This was a very tedious march. We came into a gully, very narrow. We appeared to be completely shut in here. It was Egyptian darkness; we could not see anything. We often ran against each other, often falling down and causing others to fall upon us. Then we tried to set fire to the side of the mountain but it would not burn. Everything moved very slow here. The trains in advance kept us halting very often. We lay down in the road the moment we halted, one lying upon another and falling asleep the moment we lay down. Then, not fully awake, we would stagger about and plunge into a mudhole or run upon the rocks. As soon as the road or gulley widened hundreds fell out. Some of them made a fire and cooked coffee, those that had any. Others lay down and slept.
The men that fell out could not nor would not go along with the main columns. I could endure this marching no longer and, live or die, rest I must have. I think that I must have slept 3 hours then got up and traveled on. The Gorrillas and Bushwhackers are very plenty about here and I heard of their capturing quite a number of our poor fellows along the route and shooting many more.

June 25th. — White Sulpher Springs is in a pleasant, fertile valley. There is some fancy cottages here built on the outside of a circle with the spring in the centre. The spring is truly white. We filled our canteens.
The boys scraped an old grist mill from top to the bottom. They scraped the flour boxes and barrels and made cakes of the scrapings. Some of them got some sour bran which was full of worms and baked it in the ashes and ate it. I would have been glad to share with them.
We must leave this place or starve. We were very weak and dispirated but we should meet supplies at Meadow bluff, some 40 miles farther on. It would be a hard struggle to get there. I took very little notice of the country or any thought of my diary, which was entirely neglected. I reccollect seeing a squad of backwoods ladies standing by the road side in the wilderness looking in wonder at the blue coats as they passed. We cheered them of course. Their fair forms and beautiful faces raised our drooping spirits.
There are no bridges in these parts. There had been quite a drouth or we should not have been able to cross Greenbriar river. The river was full of men from shore to shore and far up and down stream, many with only their heads above the water, some waist deep. We got over about dark and started up the mountain. We had not gone far when we found a bridge was gone and we had to turn back and take another road. We traveled all night.
We wished to go into camp but were not permited to do so. We marched through Lewisburg. Hundreds if not thousands of our troops strayed off and stayed in and about here all night. I think they must have found some provisions. It was almost impossible to lift our feet from the ground. Our tobacco was gone. We passed some good farms but soon were in the wilderness again. Squad after squad now fell out.
On and on we went; at last we halted. Of course we did not pitch our tents. We had dispensed with almost everything of that kind long ago. All we wanted now was to lie down anywhere and be let alone. Our clothes were fast passing away. Many had worn out their shoes and were barefoot. I have stood it thus far and resolved to endure unto the end if possible.
I obtained permission of the surgeon to go in advance of the column. This may appear strange but it proved a benefit. We get an hour’s start, push ahead, then stop and rest without fear of being left behind.
We expected to meet rations tonight and that gave us encouragement to travel on. I was fortunate enough to get about 1/2 lb of meat. A calf came in sight and it was soon made meat of. This gave me a new start.
Everything that was eatable that came in our way was eaten, such as roots and herbs. We pealed the black birch trees and ate the bark. I picked some currants which I cooked and ate without sugar; they only added to my misery. The men and teams continued to give out. What Amunition we had left was thrown away to lighten our burthen. Most of the men threw away their ball cartriges. Trunk valises, Knapsacks and all kinds of baggage was thrown from the train and left or burned. Sugar belonging to the commissary department was thrown out. Some of the boys that was near at hand got a good supply. We did not suppose there was a pound of sugar on the train. If we had it would not have remained there long.

June 26th. — I crippled along, stopping when I could go no farther. I thought of leaving my equipments and breaking my Springfield but finally brought them through. Their weight was about 18 lb and they were all that we had to protect ourselves. We came through Meadowbrook, a dismal swampy wilderness between mountains with corduroy roads and broken bridges. We did not get any rations here as we had expected. Rumor said that we would get them next day. Our Brigade halted and camped here for the night. Still in advance, I crossed over what is called Little Sue Mountain and encamped with the second Brigade.
Little Sue Mountain was full of Bushwhackers. The road was full of sick and straglers. We could hear the report of guns in every direction. This waked us up. I was glad that I kept my trusty rifle. We kept in squads of from 10 to 15 and sometimes more and looked out sharp for the bushwhackers. Our squad got through all right at last.
Our Brigade was several miles in the rear and this was rough for the wounded. They sufered for want of food and care and were roughed about until they died. Dr. H. Brockway of Co K died on the road. He was a fine fellow and a Christian. I missed him very much. Captain Lovell, Orderly Burley, Sergent. Putnam and several others of my company were badly wounded while many others were left behind. Others are dead or in prison.

June 27th. — We marched at early dawn and were soon climbing the Big Sue Mountain, last of these monsters. Scouts had been sent through to Gauley bridge several days before to hurry up the supplies. Some of them had got safely through and the supplies were on their way to us. They had come as far as this mountain. Two stories were afloat. One was that Hunter had met them with orders for them to put back to Cave Mountain. The other was that they had been attacted by Gorrillies and a part of the train burned.
The supply guards were one hundred days men and easily frightened. The train had gone back. We were getting very ravenous and weak. It was some 8 or 10 miles up this mountain, and about the same distance down. I happened to find some carrion where a beef had been killed a few days before. I managed to get some meat from the carcase. It was something like Sampsons riddle of old (Sweet out of the Strong). The carcase was not inhabited by bees, neither was there any honey found in it, yet it was virtually the same, for swarms of living creeping worms were there and yet the meat was sweet to the taste. Had a splendid meal. A few others shared with me.
I now felt strong and made better time. We now reached the mountain top and it was a grand sight. After traveling some 10 miles through the forest we came to the base and went into camp.
Rations came in just before dark. The mountains ring and echo back the shouts of joy. Cheer on Cheer now went up until we were hoarse and out of breath.
We were saved; bread and life was ours at last. Half rations were dealt out for one day. Many ate all that was given them at once but the wise kept oil in their lamps and had breakfast out of the fragments. And now cooling rain began to fall. We took off our caps and gave it welcome. The bread and the small rain gave new vigour to both mind and body and sweet peace to our souls. We slept sound and awoke cheered and refreshed. Thanks be to God!
Some men were sent back as far as practicable after those that had given out by the way. Many were brought in in most pitiable condition. Some were in a dying state. Others with the flesh gnawed from their arms and other parts. Some died soon after. They were starved! Starved to death!

June 28th. —_ We were now among loyal people. We were cheered by the sight of the old flag. We halted about noon and met our full supply train. Here was rations in abundance. We drew small, for had we drawn a full supply a great many would have been sick and perhaps lost their lives. Hardtack, Pork, Sugar and Coffee, Salt, Soap and candles.
Those that brought an order from a commisioned officer got rations by paying for them. The officers buy their rations. A Commisary is kept on purpose to supply them. Privates can get nothing of them for themselves, only for the officers. A great many orders were given to the privates who brought a full supply. A crowd soon gathered around the supply train. No one expected a raid here but one was soon in full blast. The raiders had it all their own way for a few minutes. They were fast emptying the waggons and running off among the crowd with their plunder. Roughs rushed in and gathered the remainder of the spoil. We looked on and laughed to see the ludicrous scene. It had been so long since we had ventured to laugh that we were getting melancholy.
We did not care a pin for the rations. We should all have plenty now. Hundreds were busy at this grab game, carrying boxes and barrels in all directions. They were soon lost sight of; a very few were caught. The officers came to the rescue. They drew their swords and cut about them right and left in earnest. The more determined and hungry still kept at their work. Some Cavelry and Infantry now came down upon them and knocked them right and left. They used the saber and bayonet freely, some of the raiders getting badly cut up and bruised. Guards were now placed at each waggon to protect it. A commisary depot was at once started. Those who had no rations, and there were hundreds of them, were supplied with rations free. Order was once more restored.
We started again after 3 or 4 hours rest feeling much better. This part of the country is more thickly inhabited and quite pleasant. We are now in the Kanahway country, or rather, valley. The supply trains which have now been emptied into our haversacks are loaded with sick and played out soldiers. I, too, would like very much to ride but there are so very many that are weaker than I am that I do not ask the privilege. I think I can stand it now if we take it cook We camp at Cave mountain about dark and have traveled 15 miles today.

June 29th, — We march to Gauley Bridge. I enquired, of a citizen whom we met, if there was any hills or mountains to cross today. He replied there was 2 or 3 slight raises. They proved to be young mountains but we got over them very well and came to New river. The name should be Mad or Lost river, for it was sunk down, down many hundred feet below us and could scarcely be seen.
This wild scenery along the New River is the most picturesque that I ever saw. The lofty mountains hanging overhead. The darkness occasioned thereby and the road hanging, or appearing to hang, on the almost perpendicular sides. There were ledges of rocks rising perpendicular hundreds of feet and hanging over the road ready to fall upon the passing traveler. The river rolling and plunging hundreds and sometimes thousands of feet below you, sometimes at your very feet.
We followed the river to Gauley Bridge and now decended rapidly four or five miles. The Kanahwa river is a quarter of a mile wide here and quite still water. There are falls one mile below here and steam boats come as far as the falls. None but flatbottom boats can run now for the water is very low.
Our sick and wounded are taken at once and carried to the boats and sent down the Ohio river to Gallipolis to the hospital, 115 miles from here. We expect to get transportation at Camp Pyatt, 50 miles farther down.

June 30th. — We are having a good rest and washing up. The Gauley river is full of soldiers all day long. We bought some pork and cookies and we had an excelent stew today. I shall never find fault with government rations again, they tasted so good after our long starvation.

July 1st. — There was another raid made on the commisary by some scoundrils. We have eaten too much and have a reaction.

July 2nd. — March at daybreak, fast with very little rest. The most of us are quite poorly. This starving then stuffing does not agree with us very well.
These mountains are full of minerals. We passed several coal mines and oil wells today, also manufactories for purifying Coal oil. There is a R R running from the top of the mountain down about 45 degrees to some store houses. We had a hard march of 25 miles, camped at dark.

July 3rd. — We march 6 miles to Pyatt, arrive at 9 quite poorly. There is a long supply station here where immense quantities of government rations are stored. Large flatbottomed steamers come up as far as here where several are now loading for the Ohio. Col Wells took possession of steamer Cottage No 2, making it his headquarters. He has command of a Brigade. We draw rations for 4 days and 2 days back rations are given us extra. The rations are now thrown all over the ground and wasted. This is a soldiers life, sometimes starving and again given more than he can possibly carry and obliged to throw it away.
This is the home of quite a number of our boys.² They call at their houses as they pass through here. Guards are frequently stationed at the houses to prevent the roughs from plundering.
This is the 4th of July and we are still in camp at Pyatt landing. The 100 days men are standing guard here. They are very inquisitive but very kind to us. They appear to be but little acquainted with war matters. Some of the soldiers are picking up pork and trading it with the sutlers on the boat who allow them about three cents per lb.
Hunter disgraced himself in our eyes at Pyatt when he reported to the war department at Washington that his retreat from Lynchburg was successful. He said some had fared rather hard owing to the want of supplies in the enemies country, but all were doing well and were well satisfied and in high spirits and would be ready for another grand tour in a few days. I saw this report in print myself and was disgusted. This was too much for flesh and blood to bear. Hundreds and thousands were entirely used up. None of us were in a fit condition to go immediately into the field and he knew it as well as we did.
We draw more rations and prepare to go on a steamboat. The Cottage No 2 is waiting. The 34th go on board and leave Pyatt at 4 Pm. This steamer makes a very pretty appearance at a distance but is very uncomfortable when on board. We filled every inch of space and were badly crowded all the way down, yet it is better than marching and we tried to be thankful and even joyful.

(To be concluded)