1862 August 7, Camp Green Meadows

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



                             Camp Green Meadows, Aug. 7th.
     Now that some hours have elapsed since
the excitement of yesterday, and it
having subsided effectually, and given us
sufficient time for mature consideration
as to the designs of the rebels in their
attack on Pack’s Ferry yesterday, it
is generally supposed that their object
was twofold, that of destroying the
ferry-boat at Pack’s Ferry, and also of
drawing our attention from other points
which they might make demonstrations
against, if they were thought to be insuffi=
=ciently guarded.  They partly accomplished
their mission, that of the destruction of the
ferry=boat, which our own men sunk to
prevent falling into the hands of the
rebels when our forces retired from the
river bank.  The perceptions of our own
officers, was sufficiently acute to see
that our little force at Pack’s Ferry
and vicinity was amply provided for the
reception of those of the enemy who
had as yet made their appearance, and
to provide for emergencies, the 30th O. V. I.
was ordered to our support from Flat
Top, this latter without materially weakening
the forces or the points guarded.  The
30th, after coming as far as Jumping
Branch, was ordered back, they being no
longer needed.
     Those injured yesterday by the stroke
of lightening are getting along finely,
one of the worst cases having reported
for duty this morning.  Singular that it
was not worse,

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925