1862 May 7 Princeton, Va.

[from the diary of Charles Hay, Co. H, 23rd Ohio]


                                       Princeton, May 7th.
     On the 5th., Cos. H, I: & K, & Gilmore’s
Cavalry, all under command of Major
Courly, started on the road to Giles,
28 miles distant.  Other duties pre-
vented my accompanying, & I am still
here.  Yesterday, the remainder of the
Reg’t pushed forward.  The trip was
made in one day, a hard day’s march.
From “contrabands” arrived, we learn
that our forces captured a large amount
of stores, (Principally flour, bacon, and
whisky;) & some prisoners, and that
their descent upon the place was as
sudden as it was unexpected.
     ‘Contrabnads’ are quite numerous,
& are availing themselves of the advantages
presented to get away from their masters.
A foraging party, having imprudently
ventured too far from camp, some
ten miles, were pounced upon by a
cavalry company, and four of the party,
& some horses captured.

                                                                               63
     The office of the Provost Marshall is
literally besieged with applicants for passes,
& persons desiring of “taking the oath.”  Since
our advent here, hundreds have sworn loy=
=alty.  Of the entire citizen fraternity, not one
can be found that does not declare he was forced
to act with the rebels against his own
convictions, or that he kept quiet, while
all the time a latent feeling of patri=
=otism burned warmly within his breast.
None of them ever “bushwhacked”, or ever knew
a “bushwhacker;” oh, no. The sincerity of a
great majority I doubt, nor can I have a
very elevated opinion of Mercer Co. patriotism,
until I see something more of her.  “By their fruits’
ye shall know them.”  I do not doubt
that she can do “her duty, if she but
fully awake’s to her true interests, and
will take hold of the work earnestly.
If this part of Western Va. would but take a
more decided stand, beneficial results to her would
be the result.  I yet have faith in her, nor can I
doubtingly ask, “What good can come out of Nazareth?”

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925