150 Years Ago (1864 7/15)

July 15^th. Poolsville, Md.

Came here yesterday about 4 o’clock P.M. Left Washington just after dinner. Came about one half mile and waited for the division and trains to pass. Our brigade brought up the rear. Our company was detailed as flankers for our brigade train, and on we came, not knowing where we were going, so one we came, up hill and down, over one of the roughest rough roads I ever saw, men lying down at every step. At about one o’clock we had orders to stop ten minutes then long enough to make coffee, after that to lie down. So we did and slept soundly until about day light, then on and on until we reached here. I was very foot sore until we heard the sound of firing, then every toe was well, that was general, I observed, with the whole regiment, but when we came, they were all across the river. They have no disposition to fight us. They have taken a good deal of plunder, but their range here was pretty limited. They said that the yankees had been a little too soon for them, but I think they were too soon for us, as they have got over the river with their plunder, and we are lying down. It is well for us to do so, for the men are worn out, were before we left the James, and we have been up for two nights and human nature cannot endure everything. Unless it is myself. I could march thirty or forty even today. I believe I feel better every mile we march, want time to cook a little meat and make coffee and I am all right, carry a pretty heavy load too.

If we had remained in Washington another day we should have been paid off. That would have been very convenient, as we could have sent the money home. There is a rumor that we shall be paid here, if we stay long enough. The money to pay us had been drawn and the 5^th Regt. has been partly paid. I shall not probably get all that is due me, but think that I shall get enough to send twenty-five dollars at the next payment. The thing will be squared up for the year. Think then shall be able to send forty dollars. I shall not keep much for
myself. Had a dollar and a half when I came into the Regiment, some of that I had of Henry Newcomb. I have fifty cents yet. Bought a quart of milk this morning for a sick friend, Tinkham. He has a sore throat and has laid out two nights. Came in the morning. I have paid out but 25 cents for myself. I want nothing but tobacco and I am well. I want to keep a little in case I am unwell. I do not yet see any signs of the paymaster.

I am anxious to hear from Zopher. The third division was in the fight at Monocacy. Those prisoners said that they thought that the 3^rd division suffered most in this affair. They were flanked, and lost several prisoners. If you hear from him let me know immediately. I saw Mr. Baxter and he had not heard a word and a few moments since saw Dr. Henry Newell. He had a brother in the 10^th. He has not heard one word since they left is down about Petersburgh. I don’t have an idea where we shall go. The army needs rest, but if there is a chance to fight the rebels I don’t care how soon we march, but to find them gone is not so agreeable, though we have undoubtedly prevented them from plundering. When we entered the field where we now lie the rebel train had passed but five minutes. It was the rear of train. I do not believe that has been such a rebel force in Maryland as is represented. There has been quite a large cavalry force and they have been plundering round and the people have been badly scared. If there has been such a large force of infantry, why did they not fight us yesterday, as there was but two divisions of our corps, and there was not, and there was not half of the men up. We were the first here. One fourth of their estimated force would have been too much for us. They were not here. They would not have sent the infantry before the trains. There was but cavalry and they hurried with all their might. You must excuse the manner of my writing, for I sit on the ground, and dare not get out my pen and ink, you would hear from me only when in camp, but I can scratch with a pencil at any moment when I can sit down. Write often to me. Don’t expect you will keep up with me, but I want to hear often.

Charles.