1862 August 6 Camp Green Meadows, Va.

[from the diary of Charles Hay of the 23rd Ohio]


                    
                             Camp Green Meadows, August 6.
This morning everything presented an
unusual appearance.  Horses were in
harness, as though a move was to be
made, although no orders were received
so to do.  This did not long remain an
unexplained mystery.  The booming of
artillery in the direction of Pack’s Ferry,
indicated that something had broken loose
in that hitherto quiet region.  Under
the circumstances, it seemed prudent
to be on the alert here, and thus may
be explained the unusual appearance of
things in general.
     The cause of the cannonading, at
Pack’s Ferry, has since been learned.
A detachment of rebels advanced last
night to Pack’s Ferry, on the opposite
bank from where our men were
encamped, and this morning opened
fire with musketry and artillery on our
men, before they were aware of the
presence of the rebels.  The exposed
situation of the encampment, made it
necessary for our men to fall back a short
distance under cover, a cannonading being
kept up on both sides during the fore=
=noon.  The only damage done our men,
was a few perforations in some of the
tents, (which had been left standing,)
materially aiding in ventilation.  The
rebels withdrew, and proceeded back
up the river in the afternoon.  What
their object was, in not known.  Our
men occupy their old encampment to-
-night.
     An accident occurred today which
well nigh proved of fatal termination.
An apple-tree was struck with lightning,
the electric fluid [?] following the roots
which ran under the tent, being attracted
thither by the metallic substances inside,
took effect on half @ dozen or more persons
inside, stunning them so completely, that two
of them were dragged out for dead.
Fortunately, all will get over it, although
it appears miraculous, that any should
have escaped.  Some two or three, had
cartridge-boxes torn to pieces,
and the contents (40 rounds cartridges,)
burned up, with no other damage to
the individual than a bruise or burn.
     A slight rain this evening, cooled
the air, and made it much more pleasant.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925