Wednesday, August 22, 2012

1862 August 23 Clarksburg and Grafton, Va.


[from the diary of Charles Hay of the 23rd Ohio]
 
                             Clarksburg, Va. Aug. 23, Morning

     -Last night after dark, the 23rd Reg’t
was marched to the Parkersburg depot, 
and ‘shipped’ on board a freight train.
I say ‘shipped,’ for we were assigned to
certain cars with so many occupants to a car,
similar to carring stock.  Rough seats
were made for us, but sleeping accomo=
=dations were poor.  As it was, we were
obliged to lay down on the floor, on and
under the seats, and run the risk of being 
tramped upon, or falling off the seat.  By
this means, we partially obtained rest.
     The cars moved off soon after our
embarkation, and proceeded slowly all night.
This morning at daybreak we were within
14 miles of this place, and about 65 from
Parkersburgh.  On the 27th of July, 1861,
our Regiment first entered Clarksburg,
coming direct from the camp of instruction,
near Columbus, and then just entering active
service.  From that time to the 1st of
January, 1862, we got a foretaste, and got an
insight into active service.  Although we saw
no fighting, we marched and scouted over
@ considerable scope of country, from this
place to Fayetteville, taking passing such
places as Rich Mountain, the Cheat Mountain
country, Sutton, Carnifex Ferry, Sewell Mtn.,
and Gauley Bridge.  Events subsequent to
the 1st of January will be found referred to in
this book. --- Clarksburg looks quite natural,
no improvements except the Government
buildings erected within the year, this being
a depot for Government supplies.  Clarksburg,
although small and insignificant, and formerly
obscure, has, like many other unimportant towns,
obtained @ notoriety since the war commenced,
on account of its position, and consequent
selection as a base for supplies.



                             Grafton, Va., Aug. 23
     The N.W. branch forms a junction with
the main road (B. & O.) at this place.  For
this reason, and because of its  military position, it,
like Clarksburg, has obtained notoriety, although small
and new.  It is 22 miles east of Clarksburg.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13925

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