1862 February 2 Wheeling, Va.

[from the diary of Charles Hay of the 23rd Ohio, returning from furlough]      

     
                                       Wheeling, Virginia, Feb. 2nd., 1862.

Took a peep at the city this morning, and
don’t think much of it.  although a place
of considerable celebrity and importance, yet,
I must say that I am not prepossessed
in its favor, and decidedly dislike its looks.
What I have seen is nothing more than dirty,
black-looking houses, and these of a very plain
order of architecture.  Streets are narrow, and
I see nothing attractive anywhere except the
wire Suspension bridge, which spans the river
from Wheeling to Wheeling Island, which lies
opposite Wheeling.  This is a splendid piece of
mechanism, and is truly one of the wonders of
Art.  The space here spanned must be some 1200
feet without a single pier, and is probably 80
or 100 feet above low water mark.
  Visited the Hospital, and took a look at things
there; and found everything looking trim & tidy,
giving evidence of the existence of a good
managing head.  Most of the seriously sick of
our army in Western Virginia have been sent here,
and have been greatly benefited thereby.

                                                                             
I have been looking anxiously for a down river
boat all day, but have seen none, and no
regular packet for farther down than Parkersburg
is due until Tuesday evening. ~~ This is Sunday,
and a dull day to me, which possibly may have
some influence in my giving such an opinion of
Wheeling as I have.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925