1861 September 1

[from the diary of Eugene M. Cox of the Albemarle Border Guards]
Had an alarm last night--all fell promptly into line--the alarm proved false and we were taken to qrs. and dismissed--Sunday dawns upon us again and as usual we have marching orders--8 1/2 A.M. We were ordered to be ready at this hour, to move we know not where--Between 9 and 10 A. M. regiment was put in motion and head of Column turned in the direction of Summerville--arrived within on mile of "Gauley River" (McVey's Ferry) by 1 o'clock P. M. --here we halted for a while--15 yankee prisoners taken by some of Genl. Floyd's forces passed us here--they were being taken to the interior--In consequence of some order from Genl. Floyd we had to retrace our steps--This gave general dissatisfaction to men and officers--Genl. Wise here appeared before us (1st reg.) and addressed us as follows;--"Men of the 1st regiment of my legion, I appear before you to say that we have been marched here twice to no purpose and that with the help of your arms I am determined to encamp at the "Hawk's Nest" this very night." this expression brought out deafening applause from the men--at about 2 P.M. head of Column turned about and directed toward the "Hawk's Nest", all bouyant at the thoughts of making a little dash--It was a long march to commence at so late an hour--a distance of 15 or 16 miles, without dinner and having marched 8 miles in the foe noon--Proceeded on our toilsome march--reached "Dogwood Gap" by sun down--here we were ordered to stop for the night--weary and broken down we threw ourselves upon the ground tentless and supperless to rest until our provision wagons should come up--The wagons were much delayed in turning around and by narrow and very bad roads--it is doubtful whether they will get up with us before tomorrow. Sic transit Sabbath--

MSS 38-221