1864 opened with I. N.'s 116th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment headquartered at Martinsburg, WV, in the upper Shenandoah Valley, but with its component companies detailed to different points along the vital Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railway to protect it from Rebel 'bushwhackers'. (The generally abolitionist frontiersmen of West Virginia had 'seceded' from the plantation-oriented then-Confederate state of Virginia and had been admitted to the Union in 1863. The eastern pan-handle of West Virginia, including Martinsburg, Charles Town and Harpers Ferry, had been included in the new state to keep the B&O in Union territory, despite the generally Confederate sympathies of its population.)

Strategically, 1864 saw the Union armies positioned to open decisive campaigns against the Confederate capitol of Richmond, in eastern Virginia, as well as its commercial hub at Atlanta. Part of the strategy against Richmond was to interdict supplies and provisions destined for the Rebel defenders, and hopefully to divide these defenders, by threatening the Shenandoah Valley with its vital farmland and railway connections. Accordingly, on March 1, 1864, the 116th Ohio was reunited at Martinsburg, and began drilling for a campaign against the Shenandoah Valley. This campaign began with a march 'up' (i.e., upstream) the Valley under the leadership of General Franz Sigel:

Left Martinsburg Va On friday Apr 29th/64

Gen Siegel in Command Camped for the Night at Bunker hill Stopped there One day Left On Sunday May 1st passed threw Winchester & Encamped for the night to Miles Out of town on the Strass Burg Roade. Left there On the 8th Stopped for the Night near Strassburg. Stayed there

The route through Bunker Hill, Winchester and Strasburg follows the historic Valley Pike, today's US Highway 11, which is closely paralleled by Interstate 81. I. N. fails to mention that the march continued through Woodstock and Mt. Jackson to New Market, where Sigel's army was soundly defeated by a smaller Confederate force on May 15. The army then limped back to Cedar Creek, between Strasburg and Middletown. I. N.'s 116th Ohio was guarding the wagon train during the Battle of New Market, and was not engaged in the actual fighting.

New Market is best remembered as the battle where the Corps of Cadets from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), some as young as 15, saved the day for the Confederates. Anyone still unaware of this can visit the Hall of Valor Museum at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park ($9, VMI cadets or alumni free), which includes a museum, movie, gift shop and battlefield trail.

After the Hall of Valor experience, it is hardly believable that the defeated Union army, now under the leadership of General David Hunter, returned up the valley and marched through an undefended New Market less than two weeks later. The immediate goal was Staunton, fifty miles ahead, but Gen. Hunter deviated from the Valley Pike to avoid Rebel defenders massing at the North River bridge. From Harrisonburg, Hunter headed southeast along the route of todays highway 659 to Port Republic, crossed the North River, then followed the approximate route of highway 825 south to Grottoes, 256 west for about 2 miles, 865 south through Mt. Meridian, then south on 608.

After about 3 miles on 608, the road turns right up a steep hill. On June 5, 1864, a Confederate force was waiting beyond the top of the hill at a place called Piedmont:

June 5th/64

Had a hard fight today Near a Plase Called Piedmont. We Compledley Routed the Rebls.

I. N.'s 116th Ohio was in the thick of several unsuccessful frontal assaults on the Confederate lines to the southwest of the road. Finally, another Union brigade moved around the left of the Union army and swarmed up the slope on the east side of the road into a gap in the defenses and, as I. N. said, routed the Rebels. A small monument on the east side of the road, near the site of the final Union assault, commemorates this Battle of Piedmont.

June 6th

Took Staunton today without a fight.

With no further Confederate resistance, the army entered Staunton and spend nearly a week destroying the railroad and other property considered valuable to the war effort.

June 12th Sabath

Today we are in Camp neare Lexington Feel Very tiered & nearley worne out We made quite a nice thing of it here

The march then resumed along the Valley Pike (US 11) to Lexington, home of VMI. Remembering the role of the Corps of Cadets at New Market less than a month earlier, they burned VMI to the ground, presumably the 'nice thing' I. N. refers to.

June 14th/64

We Left Lexington this morning at 6. Our Regt was Rear Guard Marched 25 miles to Buckhanon got here about Four OC. at Night Got some Honey on the way. Passed with in three miles of the Natural Bridge

The march continued up the Valley Pike to Buchanan, passing near the Natural Bridge.

June 15th/64

Left Buckhanon. a bout 10 A.M. & passed Over a part of the Blew Ridge Encamped for the night at the foot of Otter Peaks Beautiful Cenery

From Buchanan, the route of march headed over the Peaks of Otter to Liberty, now called Bedford. Today, this route can be followed on highway 43. The scenery is indeed beautiful, especially in the autumn.

June 16th/64

Left Otter Peakes at 6 A.M. Passed down the Mountain passed threw a little town called Liberty The Central Raelle passes threw this plase There wer a good many Rebl sick & wounded here Camped for the night a bout five miles Out of town On Linchburg Pike

At Liberty (Bedford), the troops came to the Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike and the Virginia and Tennessee Railway (not the Virginia Central), both of which lead east to Lynchburg. Today the railway is part of the Norfolk Southern and the highway is US 460.

June Friday 17th/64

Some fighting to do today We drove the Rebls five or six miles Our Regt was not Engaged

Following the Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike (US 460) east toward Lynchburg, Hunter's army faced increasing Confederate resistance. Today US 460 bypasses Lynchburg, but Business 460 follows the route of the Turnpike into Lynchburg, facing increasing traffic.

We lay all night in the Front in Line of Battle Feel very much worne out We Captured three pieses of Artilary may the God of Battel direct Oure movements

Bus 460 becomes Fort Avenue in Lynchburg. There are a pair of Virginia Historical Markers on the south side of the Avenue commemorating a Quaker meeting house and a mansion called Sandusky. The Quaker meeting house was an important landmark in the Battle of Lynchburg, to which I. N. and his regiment were marching, and Sandusky was Gen. Hunters headquarters during the battle.

June Saturday 18th/64

Just after Breakfast We are still in line of Battle I expect the Battle will soon commense We are with in a bout three miles of Lynchburg. 3.00 PM Skermishing is still going on The Rebls send & occasionally shell Cruix is flanking them I am on skermish line under a Tree

Saturday Evening a bout three Houres a go the 116th & 5th Va charged the Rebls. We drove them about three quarters of a mile We Lost Considerable Cap Keyes is badley wounded in Leg & Arme Sergt Humphrey Wounded in the Shoulder Charles Davis is suffered to be Killed Phillip Feiger Slitely Mass Daines Slitely My Daily Prayer is God save his Country & his peopel

Further along Fort Avenue is Fort Early, named for Confederate General Jubal Early, who rushed to Lynchburg, manned the earthworks that remain at this site, and fought off the attacks of the Union invaders. Displays and monuments at the site tell the story of the Battle of Lynchburg. I. N.'s 116th Ohio was at the forefront of this battle, and actually penetrated the Rebel defenses at one point, before being driven back with heavy losses.

June Sabath 19th/64

We marched all night last night Oh how sleepy I was & Tiered. We Stopped for Breakfast on Our Old Camp that we were on going up I am writing this in the woods west of the Town of Liberty Just after Supper I here Skermishing in the front the Rebls is On Oure Rear We are 27 miles from Linchburg

After failing to take Lynchburg, Gen. Hunter began his retreat that very night, marching nearly 30 miles back along the Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike (460) before stopping for breakfast beyond Liberty (Bedford).

Monday June 20th/64

Quite warme today Marched all night last night Commensed passing the Gapp in the Blew Ridge this morning a bout Day light We are passing Right down the Line of the Va & Tenn RR. & tering up the track & doing other damage. It is now about sun down the Boys are Lying a Round me a Sleep. Resting their tierd limbs

The retreat continued along the Virginia and Tennessee Railway (Norfolk Southern), which parallels US 460. By this time, General Hunter had decided not to return down the Shenandoah Valley but over the Alleghenies into West Virginia. The gateway to West Virginia was Salem, which was on both the turnpike and the railway.

Tuesday June 21/64

I have just been taking on some breakfast (a bout 10 00.) we marched all night last night a gane We are now with in a bout one mile and a half of Salem We had a slite skermish here. but we Cleared them out We will very soon go ahead

passed over a nother Range of mountains & Encamp for the night in a small valley We had Quite a disaster today as we were passing threw a very large gapp Rebls atact the Artilarry & damaged to Batteries Very Considerable

From Salem, the troops followed the route of todays highway 311 into the Allegheny Mountains. Just outside of Salem, at a place called Hanging Rock, they were ambushed by pursuing Confederate cavalry, and a number of guns were captured. A Virginia Historical Marker on 311 commemorates this engagement.

June 22nd/64

Just after breakfast Cloudy this morning feel very much Refreshed after a good nits Rest we had had quite a tiersome tripp today We Crossed One streeme Eight times the Same one that Averill Crossed last Winter & had some men Drownded

Highway 311 continues to follow the route of Hunter's retreat, crossing Craig Creek a number of times on the way to New Castle.

June Thursday 23rd/64

Cleare & Smokey this morning we are resting just above New Castel We guard Trane Today We hav had the most Mountain Climbing today that we hav had yet Companies A & B stopped for the night on top of the highest Range of the Aleghaney as Pickets the Force Camped in the valley -----

Beyond New Castle, the road passes over the summit at Potts Mountain

June Friday 24th/64

It is very pleasant on this Mount this morning we are taking Our Breakfast of Coffe Sinker? & Liver

Evening - we wer atec On our Post a bout Eleven oc AM. by Bushwhackeres. Gilbert was wounded in the arme. I went with him down the Mount got his Wound dressed we Cot up with the force at Sweete Springs very nice Plase left there a bout 4 PM. & marched a bout 16 miles made it a bout 4 AM. was almost Given Out. We Camped at White Sulphur Springs Beautiful plase

At Potts Mountain, bushwhackers shot I. N.'s brother Gilbert. After assisting Gilbert, I. N. hurried to catch up with the rest of the force at Sweet Springs. The army marched as far as White Suphur Springs before camping for the night. The route follows highway 311 to US 60, then west to White Sulphur Springs.

June Saturday 25th/64

Oh how sower & Tierd I feel this morning We will make direct for Gawley Bridge 69 miles We have nothing to eate but beefe We leave White Sulphur at 3 PM march 18 miles passing threw Summer Ville which is 9 miles Reached camp a bout Mid night Left Camp at day brake & marched untill 12 AM Camp near Meadow Bluffs this is the Third day without any Bread to eate We are in Camp in & Orchard near Sullivans Head quarters will march some

Beyond White Sulphur Springs, the route continued on what is now US 60, or the Midland Trail. Meadow Bluff is near Sam Black Church.

Monday June 27th/64

Camped a bout 3 miles west of Meadow Bluffs had a good nites Rest Started this morning at 4 A.M. Crossed the Sewel Mountains marched 17 miles today Camp for the Night at the Foot of Big Sewel Nearly Perishing with Hunger But Our Supply Tranes met us here this Evening Loud Cheares went up a few of the Boys have perished with hunger all is well. I am seated by Camp Fier at present

The route of march continued over Sewell Mountain, following US 60/Midland Trail.

Tuesday June 28th/64

Left Camp at day Brake marched ten miles & Stopped for diner & Drew to days Rashions of Hard tack The Boys are in better Spirits this plase is at Camp Look Out Fifteen miles from Gawley Bridge a Beautiful Day Camp at night Just after Super had a full mele of Sweetened Cofee - Sweetened & hard tack. One mile from Hawks nest march at five in the morning

The march continued through Lookout to the vicinity of Hawks Nest, following the route of US 60.

Wednesday June 29th/64

Started this morning at 5 A.M. March 7 miles to Gawley Bridge Passed Hawks nest Cross the River & Encamp a bout one mile Below the river on the Kanawha Stay here Over night I guess Just before dark. The Eve is beautiful the blew Kanawha is Beautify flowing by.

Although the troops may not have had the opportunity to enjoy it, Hawks Nest State Park offers a panoramic view of the New River far below. A few miles further on, the route of march, and US 60, descends from hills and crosses the Gauley River where it flows into the New River to form the Kanawha River at Gauley Bridge. The troops camped along the Kanawha just below Gauley Bridge.

Thursday June 30th/64

Raine a little this forenoon I washed my shirt Muster this afternoon Six months Pay now Dew us The Sick & Wounded have all been sent a way. Gilbert went with them I wrote a letter Father & one to Brother Wesley this forenoon ---

In the Kanawha Valley, safe from Confederates, bushwhackers and starvation, the army paused for a couple of days.

Friday July 1st/64

Very warme today I washed my Pants & Blouse Drew a pare of Shoes. Bathed in The Kanawha R. very pleasant We march tomorow

Saturday July 2nd/64

Broke Camp this morning at 5. Pased Canelton marched 21 miles Stop for the night at sun down.

The march down the Kanawha resumed, following the route of US 60.

July 3rd/64

Broke Camp 3 A.M. marched 7 miles to Camp Payett Met Brother Reuben. got Our Breakfast here. We will Embark On Transport Soon. Was glad to see Brother Reuben. Evening Not gon yet. The Forces are leaving as fast as possible Or as fas as there is Boates Come

Camp Piatt was located in what today is Belle, WV. Below Belle, the Kanawha is navigable, and the troops were transported downstream to the Ohio then upstream to the B&O railway at Parkersburg, WV. I. N.'s brother Reuben was presumably stationed at Camp Piatt.

Camp Piett July 4th/64

Not gon yet we will go next. I feare we will not get to pass Home. Reuben is not well this morning. I had a good cup of Tea for Dinner. Evening very Pleasant This Evening Reuben is here with me. This has Been a Dry 4th & Lonesome I was just a Cross the River after Water &c

On the Fourth of July, I. N. was still waiting for a boat. The trip up the Ohio would take the 116th Ohio past Meigs County, Ohio, where most of them had enlisted, so they were hoping to get some time off to visit home.

July Tuesday 5th Camp Pyett

Took Breakfast with the Malitia. This morning Bought a lb of Peaches Cooked them Ate very much No Boats Came yet Do not know whether will get to go by home yet Or not hope so Reuben is not very well

The next day, they were still waiting, and still not certain if they would be allowed to visit home.

Pyett July 6th/64 Wednesday

It quite Coole this morning we are lying here at the Commisay Building wating for the boate to come down A bord the Steam Pickett pasing Down the Kanawha We are passing the Greate Salt works. Twenty miles Below Read house Sholes Just after Diner. We are slowley Gliding down the River We are in hopes of Getting to go home. Gallipolis 5 P.M. Stopped here One Hour. Beautiful Evening. I do not know whether I will get home or not. we all get to go Home. left Sheffield a bout

I. N. finally embarked on a transport down the Kanawha, but apparently was kept in suspense about the prospects of visiting home. The route down the river can be followed on shore by continuing on US 60 to US 35, then across the Ohio River to state route 7.

At Home July 7th/64

Arived at home this morning find the friends all quite well I have Enjoyed my selfe quite well today Had quite a Shower in the Evening. Father is haying some. I shall leave in the morning had Lotts of Good things to Eate

'Home' was on today's highway 7 about 25 miles north of the the US 35 bridge over the Ohio. About 3.5 miles past the village of Chester, there is a high school on the right side of the highway. On the left side of the highway, just before the bridge over the East Branch of the Shade River, there is a country cemetery where I. N.'s parents are buried, marked by monuments made by I. N.'s Iowa Monument Company in the 1920s. According to I. N.'s memoirs his father's and his grandfather's farms were 'side by side on the direct road', which would be highway 7, and 'near' the East Branch, and the cemetery was on his grandfather's farm. Also, a 1920s letter to I. N. from his nephew Morton says that the west side of the cemetery was 'the side next to our old home'. Although there are no structures there today, it sounds like 'home' would have been across the gravel road on the west side of the cemetery, and across the highway from the high school.

July Little Hocking 8th/64

Left home this morning at half past 6 Father Brot me here to this place. I have to regrett that I did not see Lydia Or Josephine. Sundown. at the Landing Oposit Parkers Burg. Got threw all right. Expect to Cross the River tonight Got Super at a Sitizens house Made no charges. Crossed the Ohio R. Just Dark. Took the Cares a bout Eight OC P.M.

I. N.'s stay at home was brief, and the next morning his father took him to Little Hocking where he was ferried across the river to Parkersburg and the B&O Railroad. He 'took the cars' (caught a train) from Parkersburg that evening. Today, we would go northeast from the cemetery on state route 7 to US 50, which crosses the river at Parkersburg, then continues east, paralleling the route of the B&O.

July Saturday 9th/64

Lying on the Cares at Clarksburg Va. it is now a bout 8 OC in the morning. I was quite Sick Last night Better this morning Evening just after sundown. We are stopping at Piedmont a short time I had just been to Soupper. Some Grubb that I brot from Home Arived at Cumberland a Bout 10 OC PM. Layed up there over night

By morning, I. N.'s train was in Clarksburg WV. It continued on through Piedmont WV to Cumberland MD. Today, Interstate 79 and 68 provide the most direct route from Clarksburg to Cumberland. The B&O follows a different route through Grafton, Newburg, Rowlesburg, Terra Alta, and Oakland before reaching Piedmont.

Cumberland MD July 10th Sabath/64

Very pleasant this morning. Just Been to Breakfast. We will Leave soon. To OC PM. Hancock Switch off for trene to pass The Boys are next up. Coffee. Cherry Run 9 PM Sunday Just arived here. Got Our Maile Very Large One. We will march very soon to Martinsburg.

Did not march as Expected

The B&O runs from Cumberland to Martinsburg, but the Rebels had torn up the track beyond Cherry Run, so I. N. had to get out at Cherry Run. Today, Interstates 68, 70 and 81 will take you from Cumberland to Martinsburg. The B&O follows a route on the south side of the Potomac. Cherry Run can be reached by taking Maryland highway 51 to West Virginia 29 to West Virginia 9, then left on a side road at Holton, about 16 miles from Berkeley Springs.

Martinsburg July 11th/64

Left Cherry Run this morning at 6. Marched By the way of Hedges Vill Arived at M. a bout 2 P.M. Rebls left here this morning Camped for the Night neer Mr Smalles

I. N.'s route from Cherry Run to Martinsburg by way of Hedgesville can be followed by taking the road to Johnsontown on route 9, then following 9 into Martinsburg.

Tuesday July 12th/64

Martinsburg Va. Very pleasant this morning & turned out to be quite hot. I bought some ries & Bread & one thing a nother it is Rumored that we march tomorrow I am Well

While I. N. and the rest of Gen. Hunter's force had been on their circuitous journey through West Virginia, Gen. Early and his Confederate army took advantage of their absence by advancing down the Shenandoah Valley, pushing east through Maryland, and attacking Washington, DC on July 12. All available troops were mobilized to defend the capitol or at least to participate in the containment or pursuit of the invading Rebels. This may have had something to do with the rumors I. N. was hearing.

Wednesday July 13th/64

Very warme a gane today wrote a letter home & One to Wesley March this afternoon at 3. Camped for the night Neare Duffield Depot six miles from Harpers Ferry.

The Union Sixth and Nineteenth Corps, arriving in Washington on July 11 and 12, had blocked Early's raid and on the 13th began driving the Rebels back into Virginia. Gen. Hunter's troops at Martinsburg were ordered to move east in an effort to block their line of retreat. The initial march was along the route of the B&O railway between Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry. Duffields is on the B&O between Shenandoah Junction and Skeetersville. Take route 9 from Martinsburg about 10 miles southeast through Kearneysville to Bardane. Turn left off route 9 onto Brown Road, which becomes Duffield Road, then east about 2 miles, then right on Flowing Springs Road. Duffield Depot would be where Flowing Springs Road crosses the B&O.

Thursday July 14th/64

Marched this morning at half past Four. Arived at Bolivar Hights at 11 quite a pleasant Position here under a Peach tree on Bolivar Hits Left Bolivar Hits 4 PM march five miles Below Harpers Ferry. Camp Near Weverton

I. N.'s route from Duffields to Bolivar Heights presumably followed the B&O railway. The general route can be followed by driving east on the country roads beginning just beyond the railroad crossing (17/2, 23/1, 28/2, 28). Bolivar Heights are the hills above Harpers Ferry. After resting at Bolivar Heights, the army moved crossed the Potomac, probably using the railroad bridge, and marched on to Weverton. To reach Weverton today, take US 340 east.

Friday July 15th/64

Left Weverton at 10 AM marched Down the River a bout to miles & There Crossed the River had to take of Pants The water Came up to Oure Wast marched Out On the Lees Burg Pike Pased threw Lovets Ville & Camp near Hilsborough. Passed threw a Splendid Country Camp near Catawby Mt

I. N. and the Union army marched downstream about 2 miles below Weverton, then waded across the waist-deep Potomac and struck south through Lovettsville toward Leesburg, where Early's army was thought to be. Today, take US 340 east from Weverton, then state route 478 to Brunswick and state 17 to the Potomac bridge. Across the river in Virginia, state route 287 passes through Lovettsville. Presumably, the army camped near the junction of the Hillsboro road, now state route 9. Catoctin Mountain is to the east; Short Hill Mountain to the west. (Catawba Mountain is near Salem in southwestern Virginia.)

Saturday July 16th/64

Out of Rashions a gain this morning had a little Mush & milk for Breakfast. Marched a bout 12 oc AM. marched a bout Eight miles to Waterford in persuit of Rebls they left a bout fifteen minutes before we came in Ate supper & then marched on Waterford is a good Union plase we passed to the Right of Lees Burg. On to wards Snickeres gap. But the Rebls had Succeded in getting threw the Gap Stopped a bout midnight We joined the 6th Corpse here.

After breakfast of mush and milk, the Union army marched east to Waterford (state route 9, then 698), missing the last of the departing Confederates by about 15 minutes. They then marched south (route 662) and west (state route 7) toward Snickers Gap, behind the retreating Rebels. (If they had initially marched directly south toward Purcellville, they would have been in position to block Early's retreat, rather than joining in the pursuit.)

Sabath July 17th/64

This is One of Gods beautiful mornings We will retrase our steps from here. a Cesesh Lady gave me a Quart of Flower of Corne. made Camp a bout a bout 8oc AM in a Shady grove Sunset afternoon had quite a rest today drew rashions We are now with in a bout 30 miles of Washington

The Rebels continued their withdrawal through Snickers Gap and across the Shenandoah River, followed now by the combined Union army. The route is today's state route 7. With rations scarce, I. N. revealed a talent for foraging. Here he scored a couple of pounds of cornflour from a 'cesesh' (secessionist, i.e., confederate) lady. (Snickers Gap is actually about 50 miles from Washington.)

Halt Near Sniceres Gap Monday July 18th/64

Left Camp this morning at 6 Rebls Left the Gap last night Health good. after noon We passed Over The River & Engaged the Rebls. Had a very Severe fight lasting four or five houres We lost heavily Our Co. lost killed S. J. Hayes Wounded Samuel McElroy We had to fall back it was a great Battle I was favored in not being hurt in any way

This was the battle of Cool Spring (Snickers Ferry, Castleman's Ferry, Island Ford, Parker's Ford). Turn right on Castleman's Road (603) just west of the bridge over the Shenandoah and follow it north along the river. Shortly after the road turns inland, Cool Spring Lane passes under an arch into the grounds of the Holy Cross Abbey. With permission from the Abbey (540/955-1425) it is possible to drive to the vicinity of the Retreat House which overlooks the battlefield site.

The 116th Ohio was one element of a small force that forded the Shenandoah to secure a crossing for the main body of Union troops. The 116th had a prominent role in this battle, initially being sent out as skirmishers to probe the enemy defenses (which turned out to be Early's entire army), and ultimately shoring up the right flank of the small attacking force as they sheltered behind a stone wall and waited for nightfall to recross the river.

Tuesday July 19th/64

We are Resting in the gap. today I was detailed as Ordely for Colonel Wildes hated to Leave the Co. Health good - Four o clock in the afternoon Every thing is quiet here. The Cavalry is fighting below. Sunset on as I write the Band is playing a Beautiful tune at the Left of the Regt

Col. Washburn, commander of the 116th, was severely wounded in the Cool Spring fight. Col. Wildes replaced him as regimental commander, and I. N. was detailed as his orderly. From this point on, I. N. apparently served in headquarters and managed the colonel's horses during battle, instead of fighting in the ranks as an infantryman.

Wednesday July 20th/64

Pleasant this morning The Beaugel has just sounded to fall in we will Cross in force today I Think Crossed 6 & 19 Corpse a bout Noon. we ? today for ? Had to wade Crossed & camp in the Woods that the Rebls held the day we had the fight Health good.

As the Rebels continued their withdrawal, the Union army crossed the Shenandoah and occupied their abandoned positions. This would have been at the site of the Holy Cross Abbey.

Camp in the Woods July 21nd

Very smokey this morning. feel very much refreshed after a good nits rest. I went in the afternoon & got some Cooking Apples. Health good

Apparently foraging for the officer's mess was part of the job description for the colonel's orderly. On this occasion, I. N. returned with some cooking apples.

Friday July 22nd/64

Received Orders to march at 6 A. M. Packed up & of we went

On the Winchester Pike. I put my Gun in the Wagon & march in front of the Regt On our way Passed threw Berryville Got to Winchester a bout 400 P. M. & Camped on the South side of Town. I went & got some Railes to put up a ? & got some Burryes Health good.

The Union troops continued to pursue Early's Rebels. On this day, they packed up in the morning and marched through Berryville and Winchester, following today's route 7, then camped to the south of Winchester.

Saturday July 23rd/64

Pleasant this morning a bout Eight oc AM we heard skermishing on the Strassburgh R. We moved out a bout To miles & lay there in the woods all day. Nothing was done. Except Cavalry Skermishing at Eve we moved back to Our Old Camp & Took Some of the Colonels Coffe & Ham, Light Bread &c.

The advance continued a couple of miles south of Winchester to the vicinity of Kernstown. After waiting in the woods all day while the cavalry engaged the enemy to the south, the troops moved back to their camp.

In Line of Battle July 24th/64

Sabath We wer Resting in Camp very leisurley untill a bout 10 00 when we wer Ordered to fall in So said so done. we was ordered back in to the same Position that we Ocupyed the day before we Remained there until a bout 2 P.M. & then the hole line advansed As we wer on the Extreme right it so happened that there was no gen Engagement but the left went in heavy. The Rore of Battle was awful But they wer To strong for us & we had to Fall Back. Colonel Mullaghen is suffered to Be killed We then Comensed Our Retreat with Rebles On Our Heals we fell Back to Bunker hill. Stayed all night there. I came On a Head of the Regt & had some warme Cafe made for the Colonel

This was the Second Battle of Kernstown. Having driven Early's invaders back from Washington, the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps were withdrawn to return to Gen. Grant's armies in front of Richmond and Petersburg. Early responded by turning on his pursuers, now under the field command of Gen. Crook, and driving them back from Kernstown through Winchester to Bunker Hill. A Virginia Historical Marker on US 11 a mile north of Kernstown commemorates this battle. The retreat followed the route of the Valley Pike, today's US 11.

Monday July 25th/64

Skermishing Comensed at Earley dawn. I had a pretty good nits rest as I was lying out it rained a part of the night I slept with Sargent Major We Comensed the Retreat Early. Fell Back to M. Oh, such a stormy day. Camp oposite Williamsport

The retreat along the Valley Pike (US 11) continued through Martinsburg to the Potomac River opposite Williamsport, MD.

Tuesday July 26th

Crossed the River pretty Earley & On we went passing out on the Boonesborough Roade Arrived at B a bout sundown Went in to Camp there. I got some Bread & Milk & Butter for Our suppers (the Colonels Adjutant Sergant majores & my selfe) which was quite good Stayed there a bout 5 hours & then took our march for Sharps Burg arrived there a bout mid night very tiered & sleepy.

After crossing the river into Maryland, the march continued on what is today state route 68 to Boonsboro. From there, they doubled back to Sharpsburg (route 34). (Sharpsburg was the site of the Battle of Antietam two years earlier, and today's Antietam National Battlefield.)

July 27th/64

Left Sharpsburg earley in the morning & passing Out On the Harpers ferry Roade Arrived at Harpers Ferry a bout 200 We marched a round down & past Sandy hook & Encamped On the hill a bove sandy hook

The Harpers Ferry Road leads straight south from Sharpsburg. Sandy Hook is a mile or two downstream from the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at Harpers Ferry, on the Maryland side.

July 28th/64

Slept quite late

July 30th/64

Health good. Weather fine The Sixth & a part of the Nineteenth Corpse Came up yesterday. I have a great deale of Buiss to do. We are Encamped in & Orchard at Halwell(?) Farm

The threat of Early's army resuming raids on the north (Chambersburg, PA was torched on July 30 by Confederate cavalry) caused the Union military authorities to order the return of the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps. The combined force began maneuvering to keep themselves between Early and Washington.

July 31st/64

Sabath Morning We are neare South Mt Pass but will soon March. We are On the East Side of the Pass The gap that we Stopped at over night was not South Mt Pass. Marched Earley this morning we are now in Middletown Valley in am now Near Middle Town valley Camp for the night in a Meadow a bout six miles from Wolfs Ville. Came very near giving out. I did stragle some Saw many pretty Ladies On the way. Passed threw some beautiful country.

The most likely route of march from Sandy Hook to the Middletown Valley would be north on state route 67 to Gapland Road through the Crampton Gap. From there, various country roads lead north to the vicinity of Wolfsville.

Monday August 1st/64

Marched this morning at six OC. Weather cloudy & Health Pretty good. Marched a bout 2 miles & then camped in the woods. On the Left of the Pike after dinner I took my canteen & Denart cup & went on a black Buerying Expedition. Found plenty of Nice Ones got some fresh water and Returned & then I wrote the above. Evening it Clouded up as if it was a going to raine but it did not Health good Just been to supper. The Colonel & Major was quite jovial

While I. N. and the Colonel and the Major were wandering around western Maryland reacting to the threat posed by Early's army, the Union high command decided that the situation required more serious attention and appointed General Philip Sheridan to command a force composed of the Sixth, Nineteenth, and Crook's Eighth Corps, which included the 116th Ohio. Sheridan took command on August 6.

Page 1st Tuesday Aug 9th/64

Camp On the Banks of the Shenandoah & near the Winchester R.R. Very pleasant this morning. Slept quite this morning. Evening. Just as the beautiful sune is disappearing behind the horizon as I write the band of the 2 division is playing a beautiful Area. Health is good. Weather Fine.

Sheridan's assumption of command is often seen as a new chapter in the history of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley, a view which was apparently shared by I. N. Gen. Sheridan consolidated his forces at Halltown, just west of Harpers Ferry, protected on its flanks by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, and serviced by the Potomac & Winchester Railroad.

Wednesday Aug 10th/64

March this morning at 4 1/2 took the Roade Leading to Snickers Ferry Distance a bout 16 miles I write this whilst we are Resting & getting Dinner It has been very Hott

Evening Baryville Va arived here a bout 5 PM. Went in to Camp Near B.V. Evening Beautiful &c

The road leading to Snickers Ferry would probably have followed the route of US 340 about 1 mile west from Halltown, then county road 340/4 (Cattail Road) south to state route 9, jogging right on 9, then left onto Kabletown Road. Across the state line in Virginia, Kabletown Road becomes route 608, which leads to route 7, then west to Berryville.

In a Cornefield in Sight of Ashbeys Gap Thursday Aug 11/64

Marched this morning at 5 AM I have just witnessed a sight I was sorry to see & axidental shot in Co E went of killed one man & wounded To The Pioneers are diging a grave for the Diseased We could here Skermishing in front nearley all day. We pased to the Left of Winchester made a very hard march Camped a bout Sun Down Just as we were going in Camp the Sixth Corpse Engaged the Enemy (?)

This march probably followed the route of today's US 340 south towards Front Royal. Ashby Gap is the pass through the Blue Ridge to the east used by today's US 50.

Friday Morning Aug 12th/64

We are a bout Four miles from Front Royal We are rather Lazy a bout moving out Had quite a good night rest after the fatiging march Arrived at Cedar Creek at a bout 2 PM Drew up in line of Battle on the high Ground near the stream Skermishers from the Sixth Corps are Engaging them now The Enemy are in Plane view Expect will have a very big Battle I Chanced to see Col Brandon (?) of 16th Va He was very clever good to see Him

The route west from US 340 about 4 miles north of Front Royal would have probably been over Reliance Road (627) to Middletown.

Saturday Aug 13th/64

To yeares a go today I Enlisted in Uncle Sams Servise

Kind providence has seen fit to spare my Life thus far & Pray He will Continue so to do. It is now a bout 800 AM No orderes to move yet The Rebls Evacuated their Posish in the night. 400 PM. We have been Resting in camp all day. The Rebls are in Posish at Fisheres Hill. I can here & ocasingly Fiering. It has been very hot today. To Yeares a go today I was helping Father to Lay up Fence in the Wilson Field.

Sabath Evening Aug 14th/64

Nothing has been done today but Skermishing untill a bout & hour ago the Sixth Corps Crossed the River & Commensed to Drive the Rebls back a Battle is Expected yet this Eve The Rebls are in Force at Fisheres Hill. Are quite warm today Colonel sent Billey to the Rear this morning he being sick. I went in the forenoon & Bought Some provisions to Div Commisary Cap Rosecrans. Health

Monday Morning Aug 15th/64

Very pleasant this morning. Our Regt Went Out on Picket Colonel Wildes Field officer of the day. Evening just after a good army supper. Made up of Ham Potatoes Pickels Hard tack & coffee &c We are Still Lying at Cedar Creek Skermishing is going on in the front

There was to of the 36th O.V.I. killed today. Cloudy This Eve. & a Cool Breese & ? Health Good. About Eight OC Clock Colonel Wildes Came in & wrote & Order to Cap Mallory Commanding 116th. He sent me out with it. Dick Shanon (?) went a long Found Them & Stayed all night The Enemy was quite near.

Tuesday Aug 16th/64

Every thing passed off as usual untill Evening when we Received Orderes to march at Eight OC Everything was got in Readyness & we left Cedar Creek at that time Marching Very Rappidly toward Winchester Arrived there at 4 AM Getties Division of the Sixth Corps Bringing up the Reare

With the Rebels strong defensive position on Fishers Hill blocking further movement and intelligence that reinforcements had been sent to Early from Petersburg, Sheridan decided to withdraw back to his own defensive position at Halltown to await more favorable conditions. The first march was on the Valley Pike (US 11) to Winchester.

Wednesday Aug 17th/64

Arived at Winchester Just day Encamped & Dropped down on a ? blanket & Slept untill 7 A.M. Got up & Tom had Breakfast Ready. Ate a very Harty Breakfast We weer soon on the march a gane. Pased Threw W. & Out on Baryville Pike arived at B a bout 6 P.M. Encamped for the night. Health G ood.

From Winchester, the troops withdrew to Berryville, marching east along today's state route 7.

Thursday Aug 18th/64

Moved Out a bout 6 A.M. & marched Out on the Charlestown R went a bout 7 miles & went in camp. Very good Posiss for a fight

From Berryville, the march continued north about 7 miles on the Charles Town Road, today's US 340.

Friday Aug 19th/64

7 miles North of Berryvill Just after Breakfast I went with Tom & did some washing & Cleaned up. Got Back & it commensed to raine Health good. Evening Have Just Returned from taking John to water & I also went to a mill & Got some Flower Took it to a House & Engaged to have it cooked. Get it tomorow. We came here yesterday it is raining a little & The Caty didds are making the woods fairly Ring.

Saturday Aug 20th/64

Having a general Poleesing of Camp. Still in the Old Camp untill afternoon when we Received Orders to march immediately So accordingly off we went march toward Charlestown went a bout Five miles & encamped in the woods between the 6 & 19th Corps Got quite a large Maile here I got Onely One Letter that was from Wesley

As Early continued to push north, the army withdrew another 5 miles to the outskirts of Charles Town.

Sabath Aug 21st/64

We are Againe On the field of Battle Just after diner or we hardly had time to eate our dinner when we were Ordered to Fall in. We wer soon off & marched Out & Took up a posission with the 6th on Our Right & the 19th on Our left. Heavy skirmishing is going on in front We have throwed up Breastworks Generals Sheridan & Emery passed a long our lines.

Skirmishing Continued untill Dark We took some roast corne & coffee then layed down to rest layed untill Eleven OC & Then we were Ordered Out we were soon on our way & as usuel it was a retreat we fell back threw Charlestown to Halltown arrived there a bout 4 AM Distance 6 miles

The Union withdrawal continued with the troups marching through Charles Town to their stronghold near Halltown, following the route of US 340. Even I. N. seemed frustrated by Sheridan's uncharacteric caution, which apparently was dictated by political concern for avoiding any possibility of defeat as the 1864 presidential elections approached.

Monday Aug 22nd/64

The morning thus far has been spent in getting posission We are now a short distance from Hall Town Throwing up Breastworks. We remained here all day in possision keeping up a Continued Skirmishing in front Health Good. Had a Heavy Raine this afternoon.

Tuesday Aug. 23rd/64

This is a Beautiful morning We still hav Our Old Posiss Skermishing still continues with not much advancement On Either side we are getting a strong Posiss here Evening Earley Candelight Brisk Skermish fier has been kept up all day Gen Sheridan was a long & reviewed Our Lines Today a gain. We got a large maile today & I was much disapointed at not getting any. Very Smoakey this Eve Health Good.

Wednesday Aug 24th/64

The Morning was a Beautiful One. I had been Engaged a part of the day in geting Provisions for our Mess (Officers Mess) went to Bolivar Hits a distance of Three miles to Cap Rosecrans Commisary we got some meate shugar Hard bread &c &c do not feel well this afternoon hav quite a Cevere Headache Our men drove the Rebl skermishers back a piece this afternoon.

Bolivar Heights overlooks Harpers Ferry, about 3 miles east of Halltown on US 340.

Thursday Aug 25th/64

Things pass off today much as before. Still ocupy our Old Posiss With Skermishing in front with occasiongley artilary fiering. There is Canonading far to our Right it is sayed that it is Averill Oposing the Rebls crossing at Shepards Town. My Health is not as good as it has been Still hav a Cevere Head ache. Weather fine

The distant cannonading was indeed against a force of Rebels who had withdrawn from the lines in front of Halltown and were threatening to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania across the Potomac.

Friday Aug 26th/64

This is a beautiful morning indeed. I feel much better this morning still keep our old posiss skermishing is going on in front. Everything passed of quietly untill a bout 4 P.M. When Our Corps was ordered to fall in in light marching order soon they advanced Out in front. Soon Our men drove Back the Rebl skermishers & Came uppon the mane works then opened a Heavy Roar of Musketry. Our men fell Back. 116th lost 25 wounded & three killed. Co B came off ?

This action was an attack on the Rebel lines outside of Halltown, which had been diminished by the withdrawal of some units for the attempted raid across the Potomac. The 116th Ohio led this attack and fell back with heavy casualties, but the Rebels withdrew to the vicinity of Bunker Hill.

Saturday Aug 27th/64

Nothing of note transpired to worthy of note Only I had a very Cevere Headache all day. Weather fine

Sabath Aug 28th/64

The Order is pack up & march at daylight with three days Reshions Leave the trane behind Marched Out in sight of Charlestown layed there untill a bout 4 P.M. & then moved on threw C. & Encamped in the same Woods we occupied one week a go today. In the morning Health not good Charlestown was where John Brown was hung. Very pretty plase.

When Early withdrew his forces to a less exposed position in the vicinity of Bunker Hill, Sheridan responded by advancing back through Charles Town over the route of today's US 340 to the position they had held prior to their most recent 'retrograde movement'.

Monday Aug 29th/64

Received orderes to march this morning at 5 A.M. it is 6 now and we are here yet. Evening did not move today There was heavy Cananading on the Right today did not here the result. Health not very good

Tuesday Aug 30th/64

Very pleasant this morning My Health is not good feel very much under the weather. I got some medicin of Doc We got Our Pay in the Evening I Received $50 four months pay I have no sutler Billes The Colonel is quite unwell this Evening I have a considerable to colect

Wednesday Aug. 31st/64

Very pleasant this morning The Regt was ordered on Picket before day this morning as the Colonel was quite sick I was quite Lonsom all day. The Regt came in a bout 5 P.M. was glad to see them We are lying here in sight of Charlestown.

Sept 1 Thursday/64

Very Pleasant today I sent my money home this morning by state agent. Muster this afternoon Nothing strange transpired today.

Friday Sep 2nd/64

We are very Buisy making out Roales & atending to Buis of that kind in the afternoon. Came to our Quarters a gane & payed of some men that came up from Hospital. The forces are Discharging their pieces.

Satday Sep 3d/64

We pulled up stakes this morning at 5 Am Marched Out On the Berryville Pike. Reached Berryville a bout 11 OC stoped here & got dinner We layed on the same ground untill pretty near night when we was moved into Camp. Just Received Todays Papers stating that Atlantah is taken & that Gen Herder(?) is killed. Very Cold & Cloudy. Health Good

We wer not left to get our supper But was ordered out. we Ore Our Regt was soon Engaged with the Rebls I Took the Colonels Horse we went Out of Range Night Soon came On & I had a hard time to find the Regt a gane

With the opposing armies in approximately the same positions they had been in three weeks earlier, Sheridan repeated the maneuver he had made then, marching south along the route of US 340 in an attempt to get between Early and his lines of supply and retreat. Meanwhile, Early had concluded that Sheridan was no more a threat than his predecessors had been, and detached a portion of his force to rejoin Gen. Lee at Petersburg. As it happened, the advance elements of the US forces, including the 116th Ohio, arrived at Berryville and went into camp just as the Confederate units going back to Petersburg marched up. In the resulting Battle of Berryville, the Rebels drove these advance units back to their main lines, but Early declined to attack the main Union position and withdrew back to Winchester. There is a Virginia Historical Marker commemorating the battle on Business 7 near High School Road on the west side of Berryville.

Sunday Sep 4th/64

We fell Back before day this morning a bout 2 miles & Got some Breakfast & then took up a possiss & the Men are now fortifying with Railes Weather Cloudy. Rained Last night.

Monday Sep 5th/64

We still Remaine here in our possiss it rained quite hard last night the Colonel & I had to take it it is Cloudy all day The men are buisy Engaged in Building Works some skermishing in front We are a bout 2 miles from Berryville Bart & I went to Water in the Evening & got a Cevere wetting

Tuesday Sep 6th/64

Oh! What a stormy Day. The supply Trane came up today I & to more Built us a shanty It has stormed all day & it is quite Disagreeable & cold We still Remaine in our old Posiss

Wednesday Sep 7th/64

It has been Clear & pleasant today I went in Co. with a M Sargent Others Out to get some Hay went out a bout 4 miles got some Hay & some very fine apples I got a small dish of bread & Butter & Milk Charged 25 cts

Thursday Sep 8th/64

This morning at a bout 900 A.M Gen Cruiks Command pulled up stakes. Marched a bout 6 miles towards Bunker hill. Passing from the Left to Right of the Army. It stormed quite hard today Learned for the first today that Cap Keyes was Dead Died at Linchburg on 19th July Our Brave Cap is gone A Lot of Our Boys Came up today from Cumberland MD

As part of a realignment of the forces arrayed against the Rebels in Winchester, Gen. Crook's command, the Eighth Corps, which included the 116th Ohio, were moved from the left to the right of the Union line. The route presumably would have been along the route of US 340 for about 2 miles north of Berryville, then left on Summit Point Road (611).

Friday Sep 9th/64

Quite pleasant this morning Got Some Maile this morning. Health good. We are lying here on the Smithfield & Bunkerhill Pike The supply trene came up in the afternoon Also Our Regt Wagon which was very axeptable

The Smithfield and Bunker Hill Pike would presumably have been the road which runs north from Summit Point to Middleway, then called Smithfield, and on to Bunker Hill.

Saturday Sep 10th/64

Got up this morning & found it storming. There has been Canonading on the Right of us today. I Sent Out a Letter to Brother Reuben Ordering a Pare of Boots.

Sabath Sept 11th/64

Very Stormy Today it Rained Very hard last night I had been kept quite Busy notwithstanding it is Sunday I Received a letter from sister Lydia was Much pleased to here from home. Lt. Colonel Adams (?) of 36th OVI is here taking supper.

Monday Sep 12th/64

It was quite pleasant this forenoon. But Commensed to Raine just after noon. John & I made a Table out of a Gunn Box We wer Braged On Considerable. I Clerked in the Sutler Store today Still had quite a sower finger Otherwise Health Good

Summit Point Tuesday Sep 13th/64

Very Pleasant this morning. Our Regt Out On Picket this Morning. I Came Out with the Colonel. Make Our Head Qtrs at a large Brick Church. Cap Teeters passed me Threw the Lines to & old Rebl Where I got all of the Grapes I could Eate. I Received a Letter from Wesley Today.

Summit Point Sep 14th/64

Came in from Picket this morning. Storming a gane today Wrote a Letter to Brother Wesley Everything passes off smoothley at Head Qtres. it has been quite stormy all day.

Summit Point Thur 15th/64

Rained Some today a gain. We Moved Our Head Qters in the afternoon a bout one hundred yards to the Reare. Had Gen Inspection. Wrote quite a lengthy Letter ? in the Evening Health Good &c

Summit Point Va Sep 16th/64

Very pleasent today. I drew To pere of Drawers & pere of socks Sargeant Major Lee Came back to Regt Today

Summit Point Sep 17th/64

Very pleasant today. We have had a general Cleaning up today. Orders came in a bundance. Had a beautiful camp here Health Good. got a Letter (Or note Rather) from M.J.V. wanting to know the Reason why I did not write &c. I Replyed in the negative &c

Summit Point Va Sep 18th/64

Had Regt Inspection at 11 A.M. Colonel Wells Commanding Brigad Inspected. He & Staff took dinner at Our Head Qtrs. In afternoon Received Orders to Send Wagons to Rear. Also to pack up & be Ready to move &c Order was Countermanded &c. wrote to Brother Wess. Health good &c

On The March Monday Sep 19th/64

We Broke Camp at 500 A.M. & marched for the Pike a bout half way Between Winchester & Berryville. Heavy Canonading Continued all forenoon & also Cavalry fighting arrived at Or neare the Pike a bout 1000 A.M. the 6th Corpse had passed up a head of us to wards Winchester & near the Opequin Creek. Engaged the Enemy & at this time the Roare of Battle is greate. Weather coole & pleasant. a bout 12 AM. We (The 8 Corpse) marched out towards W. & when with in a bout 4 miles of W. Engaged the Enemy after a most Cevere Battle Drove them far beyond Winchester Our Victory was Compleet Captured from 3 to 4 Thousand Rebles killed & wonde 4 Generals We Camped On Our Old Camp a bout 7 miles south of W. Co. B. had One killed Lewis Secoy Shelton Hetzer wounde Since Died James Stewart Slite. It was a Greate Battle

I was in time of Engagement in Charge of Colonel Wildes Horses.

This was the Battle of Opequon, or Third Winchester, which turned out to be Sheridan's decisive victory over Early for supremacy in the Shenandoah Valley. The 116th Ohio was attached to the 1st Division (Thoburn) of Gen. Crook's Eighth Army Corps. The battle began with the Sixth and later the Nineteenth Corps crossing Opequon Creek and marching west along the Berryville-Winchester Pike (highway 7), opposed by the Confederates in front of Winchester. The fighting was heavy but inconclusive until the afternoon, when the Eighth Corps was sent across the Opequon, then veered right along Redbud Run and fell upon the enemy's left flank, gradually driving them back into a tight defensive perimeter around Fort Collier. Union cavalry then swept around the rear and the Rebels broke, retreating rapidly south through Winchester.

I. N.'s route can be followed approximately by taking country roads southwest from their camp near Summit Point (761 to 659 to 635) to highway 7 'half way between Winchester and Berryville', then west on 7 across Opequon Creek to 656. There are Virginia Historical Markers near this point describing the early phases of the battle. From here, I. N., with Thoburn's 1st Division, left the Pike and headed north then west along the south bank of Redbud Run, a route that is now blocked by Interstate 81. Continue west on 7 and take I-81 north, crossing the battlefield from the left to the right of the Union front. The successful Union attacks in the 'First Woods', 'Middle Field' and 'Second Woods' were to the right; the final charge in the Fort Collier area to the left.

Get off the interstate at the next exit and take US 11 south. After about 1 3/4 miles, there is a group of Historical Markers on the right, describing the final phase of the battle.Turn left and cross the tracks into the Fort Collier Industrial Park area. After about 1/2 mile, turn right onto Ft. Collier Road. Where this road bends to the right, after about 1/4 mile, there is a monument surrounded by a fence on the left side of the road (to Union General Russel Hastings, who was wounded there). This area was the left wing of the Confederates' last line of defense in 1864. The final assault on this position by Crook's Corps, including I. N.'s regiment, came from the fields to the northeast (although I. N. was presumably in the rear with the colonel's horses).

Tuesday Sep 20th/64

Marched this morning at 7 A.M. & marched towards Strassburg. I had Walkers horse to wride in forenoon. Arived at Ceder Creek at 3 P.M. The Went in camp for the Night near the Bridge The 6 & 19th Corpse inf crossed & found The Rebles Posted On Fishers hill. Health Good.

The troops pursued the fleeing Rebels south along today's US 11, stopping near the bridge over Cedar Creek between Middletown and Strasburg.

Ceder Creek Sep 21st/64

It is quite Cloudy this morning. Skermishing is going on in front. Received Orders to March at 5 AM but There is Some delay. Stayed until dark & then moved a Cross Cedar Creek near Strassburgh & went in to Camp. Received Orders that Night a bout 11 PM to be Ready to march in the morning at 5 A.M.

While Crooks Corps, with the 116th Ohio remained in camp, the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps skirmished with the enemy entrenched on Fishers Hill.

Thursday On the Flank near Fishers hill Sep 22nd/64

We moved Out at 6 AM & Our Corps. Moved off to the Right of Fishers Hill Skermishing is going On in front Think we will have a Big fight today if the Rebls don't run Tis a beautiful morning The Eight Corpse passed up the Side of the Mountain & then moved by the flank on a Charge with tremendous cherers I Took the Colonels Horse The Rebles flew in but lost. We Captured quite a lot of Prisoners & Gunes &c Loss in Co. B I Regrett to Say Sergeant Tiffany was Killed Shott threw the head in the latter part of the fight

This was the final day of the Battle of Fishers Hill. While the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps continued to press the formidable defensive lines on Fishers Hill, the Eighth Corps under Gen. Crook circled far to the right along the slopes of Little North Mountain to a position behind the Confederate left flank, then charged. Although the Rebels attempted to change front, they were overwhelmed and fled south in a disorganized rout for the second time in four days. Once again, the decisive action was a flank attack by the Eighth Corps, with the 116th Ohio in the thick of the fighting. And once again, I. N.'s post was with the colonel's horses, presumably in a relatively safe position toward the rear.

The Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites owns the portion of the battlefield where the flank attack occurred, and maintains a walking trail with points of interest and a panoramic view of the battlefield and surrounding countryside. From US 11, signs to Fishers Hill Battlefield lead along route 601 to the parking lot at the entrance to the trail.

Friday Fishers hill Va Sep 23d/64

We hav been lying on the Battle field (Our Brigade) we was left to Buery the dead & Gather up the Captured Property &c Captured 21 Cannons

Saturday Sep 25th/64 [actually 24th]

The Prisoners we had in Charge wer Sent to Reere. Over 1000 in No & Our Brigade made a forward movement passing Woodstalk Edingburg Mt Jackson & Camped neare Where Gen Siegel had his fight neere the Bridge of Shenandoah. arrived here a bout 1100 PM Quite tiered.

The forward movement would have been on the Valley Pike, US 11.

Sabath On the March Sep 25th/64

March a gane this morning at Sunrise. Still up the Valley. 200 PM Just stopped here for diner it is Eight miles from here to Harrisonburg. Supose we will catch up with Our force there. Passed threw New market this fore noon. Encamped for the night at Harrisonburg 25 miles from Staunton. We cot up with the Rest of the Army here.

The march continued through New Market to Harrisonburg, along US 11.

Monday Sep 26th/64

Very pleasent this morning we are lying Still here today. The Cavalry went out this morning. The Rebls hav Skedaddled I guess I went to town in the forenoon got my Boot fixed &c

Sep 27th/64 Tuesday

Still here waiting for Supply I & E L Walker C S Sergeant went Out with a forage trane a bout 2 miles & found Some very Clever peopel Bot Some Bread Butter Cabeach Tomatoes & Got & Excelent Dinner & Returned Got Some very fine Apples. Came Back Colonel was very well pleesed with Our Success. I pitched & Army Tent One Colonel Wells gave to Co Wildes had & excellent Supper Supply trane arived &c Health Good

Wednesday Sep 28th/64

Received Orders to be Ready to march at 5 AM But Something delayed & we pitched Tents a gane & I Think we will not leave Today Nothing of much interest Transpired Today

Thursday Harrisonbgh Va Sep 29

The 6 & 19th Corps Passed up the Pike Early this morning. We Will Remaine here I guess

Colonel Wildes is Field Officer of the day. Raining a little

Friday Harrisonbugh Va Sep 30th

Cloudy this morning Forage trene went out to Daton after Flower. Sergt Walker S. P. Dismere & my Self went a long Out had a fine time Got plenty of Provisions Bread Butter Apple Butter Chickens Cabich Sweet Potatoes & had a jolley time Returned to Camp 1.00 P.M. & Layed a Round Head Qtres the afternoon Sixth & 19th Corpse Came back this afternoon. Health Good.

Harrisonburgh Va Oct 1st/64

Cloudy this morning. Commensed to Raine a bout 10 A.M. George Stout & Richmond Russel came to See me this morning The Whole Army Stopped here last night.

Harrisonburgh Va Sabbath Oct 2nd

The 6 & 19th Corps Passed up the Pike Early this morning. We Will Remaine here I guess

This is Sabbath. We Received a large maile Last night a bout 11.00 we (the Colonel Sergent Major & myself) got up Lit a Candle & Looked Over the Maile Colonel got Several Segt Lee did not get any I got To One from home date Sep 11th One from N.Y. We Received Orders a bout 12.00 To Go Out to Daton a little plase five miles from H. to the Right of the Pike. We are here now The Cavalry has been fighting them in front today.

According to Col Wildes, the 116th Ohio was sent to Dayton to guard mills that were grinding flour for the Union army from retaliation by Confederate cavalry or partisans.

Daiton Va Oct 3rd/64

Quite Cloudy & Rainey all day. I Spent the day in looking over the Town & Country & Getting Some Provisions. We are foure miles from H. Lt. Meigs Chief Engineer on Gen. Sheridans Staff was here late this eve. he & to orderlies & when passing back to Camp was atact & Either Killed Or Captured. One Orderly Escaped & Came to Our Head Qtres & made this Report. Colonel is not well this eve.

Lt. Meigs, Chief Engineer from Sheridan's staff in Harrisonburg, visited the 116th in Dayton. Presumably, Lt. Meigs met with Col. Wildes, probably in his headquarters. On his return to Harrisonburg, Lt. Meigs was shot and killed; one of his orderlies escaped and returned to Col. Wildes headquarters with the news. It seems likely that as the colonels orderly I. N. would have been present at the headquarters and witnessed these events.

Dayton Tuesday Oct 4th/64

It has been quite pleasant today. Nothing transpired of interest untill a bout 3 P.M. When Orders Came Stating that the town would be burnt in one hour & a half and all the Buildings with in five miles of where Lt. Meigs Chief Engineer was killed. The Screemes & Crying of the Feamales was awful. Every thing was all Exitement. The Surrounding Country was all illuminated But the Town was Spared for the present.

Gen. Sheridan assumed that Lt. Meigs' killers were either residents of the area or were sheltered and assisted by residents, and he intended to punish the the entire community by destroying their homes. However, Dayton was (and is) actually a community of Dunkers (Church of the Brethren), and Col. Wildes could not believe they would be involved in violent action like the killing of Lt. Meigs. He thought it was unjust to punish them by burning their homes, and he delayed execution of the order while appealing to Gen. Sheridan to spare the town. Eventually, the order was countermanded, and Dayton itself was spared, although the 'surrounding country was all illuminated'.

From Harrisonburg, take highway 42 southwest about 5 miles to Dayton. Drive around the town until you see the big gray cannon (WWI vintage) on the corner of a gas station parking lot (it's not a very big town). One of the monuments beneath the cannon is to Col. Wildes, for his efforts in sparing Dayton. On a Sunday afternoon, the streets are crowded with the black buggies of today's Dunkers returning from church, probably much like it looked in 1864.

Oct 5 Dayton Wedensday

All quiet today No Burning today

Thursday Oct 6th/64

On the March. Left Dayton at 600 AM. The Wholl army Moved down as far as Newmarket & Mt. Jackson. We Camped On the Banks of Shenandoah

it was a long march distance from Daiton to this plase 26 miles The Colonel is quite unwell My Health Good

This long march would have been down the Valley Pike, today's US 11, to the bridge over the Shenandoah between New Market and Mount Jackson.

Friday Oct 7th/64

This is a beautiful morne. We marche a gane this morning at 6 AM. Colonel is worse this morning he wride in Ambulance today. Evening. We are camp a bout 3 miles below Woodstalk marched a bout 15 miles today Colonel is better this Eve

A 15 miles' march down US 11 would place the troops about 3 miles south of Woodstock.

Saturday Oct 8th/64

Marched a gane today Left Our Camp this morning a Bout 9 oc & arived at This plase a bout 3 PM ( Fishershill. The Rebls are flowling us up. Quite heavy Canonading in the Reare this afternoon

Another day's march took them to Fishers Hill. As the infantry marched down the Valley, the cavalry followed behind carrying out Gen. Grant's orders to destroy any provisions that they could not consume or carry away, to keep it out of the hands of the poorly provisioned Confederate army. Confederate cavalry harassed the Union cavalry, trying to disrupt this scorched earth policy.

Sabath Oct 9th/64

We are Camping here On Fishershill. Very Cold Windy Recieved a Letter from home & One from Wesley It is Stated that We captured 4 peces of artilery yesterday

While I. N. and the infantry camped at Fishers Hill, the Union cavalry turned on the pursuing Confederate cavalry and, ordered to 'whip them or be whipped themselves', routed the Rebels at the Battle of Toms Brook. A number of guns and prisoners were captured.

Monday Oct 10th/64

It is warmer today. Nothing very Strange occured today Sixth & 19th marched farther towards Winchester I Saw a part of the artilery Captured yesterday 5 pieces passed a long Rebls driving & a bout 25 wagons Captured also. My Health is not very good.

Tuesday Oct 11th/64

This has been a Beautiful morning We march this morning at 6 AM Left Fishershill & passed threw Strasburgh & a cross Ceder Creek & Encamped On the hights & Then heled Our Election

The short march from Fishers Hill to the north side of Cedar Creek follows the general route of US 11.

Wednesday Oct 12th/64

Nothing Strange transpiered today. I recieved a letter from Sister Nancy & Excelent one it was to I answered it & also wrote one to Wesley. The day was a very pleasant One. Health quite Good I am writing this Seated at the Root of a Hickory Tree in the Woods & the withered Leaves are falling a round me. how pleasant it is to take a walk in the Woods in an autum day. It Reminds me of that Fatheres Home. the Home of my Youth But we to must wither & Fade a way to Our mother Earth in the autum of our Liff

Thursday Oct 13th/64

Cleare today with quite a coole breeze a stir God Bless this day & Our Lives to his use. Every thing passed off untill a bout 100 PM when all at Once The Rebls from the Oposite Side of the River comensed to Shell our camp We Soon packed up & got Out of Range Cruix Command was Soon Ordered a cross to Rekanoiter. We did so & found them in strong force. Our force fell back Loosing quite heavily. Colonel Weles Commanding Brigade was mortaley wounded Co B came threw safe

The Rebel army advancing behind the withdrawing Federals shelled the camp of the Eighth Corps, and elements of the Eighth Corps, including the 116th Ohio, were ordered across Cedar Creek to reconnoitre. The reconnaissance force was no match for the advancing Rebels, and were driven back. The loss of Col. Wells, the brigade commander, was significant to I. N. because Col. Wildes was appointed as his replacement, and I. N., as his orderly, thus moved to brigade headquarters.

Friday Oct 14th/64

We wer up this morning at 4 am Every thing in Readyness to march. Col Wildes Is put in Command of First Brigade in Colonel Welses plase who was wounded. The Colonel took me with him So I am now at Brigade head Qters 1st Brged 1 Divis Health Good

Ceder Creek Va Oct 15th/64

All Quiett today in front Wrote to letteres one home & one to Brother Wesley. Every thing goes of Smoothely at Brigade Head Qtrs So far Health good Weather fare &c

Ceder Creek Va Oct 16th

Every thing in Readyness to march this morning at 5 oc this morning we marched a bout 1 mile to the front & went to work fortifying The Posiss we had was in a very pretty woods I will get a Horse Soon I guess This is a Beautiful day Health Good &c

Ceder Creek in the Woods Oct 17th/64

Very pleasent this morning. The men are Buisy puting up Breastworks & a Man is trying to get me a horse. I expect he will get & Old Plugg

Moved Camp Ceeder Creek 18th/64

Moved Head Qtres today farther to the Reere fixed up Quarteres very nicely Every thing is going on well. Health Good Weather fare &c

Ceeder Creek Va Oct 19th/64

Wednesday We wer atact this morning at half past 500 AM all along Our whole Line & we had to fall back The Atact Came So Sudden The Fighting Continued all Day The Rebls Driving us back about 3 miles Gen Sheridan came up from Winchester arived about Noon & gave New Courage to the Army & Turned the day We drove the Enemy over the Ground we lost & Our Cavalry Pursewed them Cleare to Woodstalk Capturing 42 Pieces of Artilary & a Large Trane & many Prisoners We lost 18 gunnes in the forepart of the day but got them all Back. It turned out to Be a glorious Victory We Lost many men Co.Bs loss was Frank Caldwell mortaly wounded in Back My health good Weather fare

This was the Battle of Cedar Creek. As I. N. said, the battle began with a surprise attack in the early morning and continued with the Rebels driving the Union forces back several miles. However, the Confederate attack gradually lost momentum, the Union resistance stiffened, and Gen. Sheridan, who had been away at a meeting, made a dramatic ride from Winchester on his horse Rienzi to rally the troops. A Union counterattack launched in the late afternoon succeeded in routing the Rebels, regaining all the lost ground, and recovering all of the lost artillery and other property. It was indeed a glorious victory.

The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation operates a museum on US 11 in Middletown. The best way to appreciate the battlefield is with a copy of the driving tour of the battlefield available at the museum.

Ceder Creek Va Oct 20th/64

Today was Spent in Organising the Command & geting the Troops in to Camp &c

Ceder Creek Oct 21st

All Quiett today quite cold Health good Every thing passes off well as yet Frank Caldwell Died in Hospital Today at New Market

Cedar Creek Oct 22nd/64

Saturday It has been quite cold all day we all hover a Round the fier at Hed Qtres had Some hott arguments here today On Politics Cap Kerr & Lt Riseway Health Good

Ceder Creek Oct 23rd/64

This is the Sabbath day but I am Sorry I canott Spend it in the Lords Servis it is Still quite Cold The men kneed Clothing much.

Ceeder Creek Va Oct 24th

All quiet today Weather fare there is talk of us being payd Off Soon. Health good

Ceder Creek Va Oct 25th

All quiett today Nothing of any interest transpieres today of any note. Weathere fare & Mild Smoakey Rebls I dont know where they are. Health good

Ceder Creek Oct 26th/64

Wednesday This has been a beautiful day it made me think of home. There has Been Canonading in the Lewrey Valley all day. Cavalry I guess Our Regtmental wagon came up today Colonel James Washburne came up on a visit Looks quite Badley. Large clothing trane arived today Health Good I have got my Horse very good one.

Oct Ceeder Creek 27th

Stormy Today Some We wer payed off today I Recieved 64 dollers I also drew a Mounted Coate We are having a millitery Commision here at Our head Qtrs This is Thursday Health Good

Ceeder Creek Frid Oct28

it Rained very hard last night. But quite pleasant today I Slept in the Ambulance last night as Colonel Washburn the Paymaster was with us last night I Took Our Horses & went a cross the Creek & Bated them etc Health Good

With organized Rebel resistance in the Shenandoah Valley finally eliminated, the troops remained at Cedar Creek a few weeks while Gen. Sheridan considered requests by Gen. Grant to stage attacks deeper into Virginia. Grant wanted Sheridan to disrupt railway transportation and otherwise bring pressure against the Confederates now beseiged in the Richmond-Peterburg area, in an effort to bring the war to and end before winter. Other than a few scattered cavalry raids, Sheridan did not comply with Grant's requests. The infantry was gradually dispersed, either to the Petersburg front or to occupation duty around the Shenandoah Valley. I. N.'s 116th Ohio returned full circle, rounding out the year as they had started it, guarding the B&O Railroad at Opequin Bridge, just outside of Martinsburg. Just before Christmas, they too were ordered to join the Army of the James outside Petersburg, and were transported, on the B&O, to Washington and then by sea to the James River.