IRA H. ALBAUGH

Woodbine, Carroll County, Maryland

A. FEARHAKE

Frederick City, Maryland


The list available and known as (Company B) would seem to be that of the prisoners of war at Point Lookout, MD. Ira Albaugh was wounded and taken prisoner on July 3, 1863 at Gettysburg. He was first imprisoned at Fort Delaware, near Wilmington, DE and transferred in September 1863 to Point Lookout where he signed his parole and was exchanged in February 1865. (Record in National Archives). This diary is a record of his journey back to his home in Woodbine, Carroll County, MD.

The Point Lookout Prisoner Camp Association has a site dedicated to those who were imprisoned there. Click to transfer to The PLPOW Homepage.

 

Ira H. Albaugh was born July 9, 1840. His enlistment record gives place of birth as Howard County. He was the son of Ephraim and Rachel Brown Albaugh. In the 1860 census of Carroll County Maryland he was enumerated in the household of his uncle, James Augustus Albaugh, a merchant in Woodbine. Ira's occupation is given as "clerk", probably in his uncle's store. His death occurred after May 1, 1866, the last entry in his diary. He does not appear in census records for 1870 or subsequently. Family tradition indicates that he died of tuberculosis contracted in prison.


"Jottings by the Way"

Feb 26    Sunday. Left Louisa C.H. for Staunton per Central R.R. a slow affair continually stopping. (N.B., having staid at Mr. Butters night before, where the deal was particularly gratifying.) - the country tolerable pretty, but hearing the scars of war - got to Staunton 7 or 8 at night. Roosted at Hospital formerly Virginia Hotel met old acquaintances and slumbered peacefully.

Feb 27    Monday. Called on my old friend Mrs. Cherry, had a talk of old times, very pleasant little daughter, stayed all night. Patriotic meeting & big speaking in S. today - contributions liberally given for war.

Feb 28    Tuesday. Took stage for Lexington. Traveled about mile, roads impassable, mud to the knees. Got out and walked to Middlebrook where hospitable lady, Mrs. McChesney gave us with good cider, charged nothing. Arrived at Brownsburg about 5 1/2 found quarters some two miles beyond at Mr. Lavelle fine property, gave us excellent fare & roosted in a feather bed. Weather very pretty and weather ditto.-N.B. Dr Madison, Lexington

March 1st    Wednesday. Weather threatening, therefore continued our case, enjoyed time most elegantly, met a charming girl at the house Miss Kate Hilleary of Cedar Grove. N.B. had some vocal & instrumental music. Mr. L. very hospitable gent. Yanks rept. advancing up valley, some excitement.

March 2    Thursday. Weather very rainy, remained here all day. Yankees at Staunton. Saw numbers of wagons moving up valley, people alarmed, however we enjoyed ourselves, having a good room, plenty of fuel & capital eating.

Friday 3    Rain continues, concluded however to travel, took leave of our hospitable friends & trudged along in wind & rain some 10 miles toward Lexington. Stopped at Mrs. Camerons, treated very kindly & here remained over night. Several charming girls here, quite a lively place. Taken for Jessie Scouts by the old lady which was quite amusing.

Saturday 4    Weather again clear, walked over to Mrs. Alexander Clifton. Mr. Alexander had gone with Co toward Staunton (where Early had been severely defeated and his whole force captured)-received very kindly, met with Mr. Archie brother of my friend a very kind and clever fellow.

Sunday 5.    Attended Pres. Church in Lexington.

Monday 6.    Stopped Sunday & Monday at the house of Mr. Archie Alexander. Walked in to Lexington. Town crowded being court day, saw several acquaintances. Yankees left Staunton & are raiding toward Lynchburg, going over the Blue Ridge so completely cut off from Richmond. No Newspapers & very little news of any kind.

Tuesday 7.    Very pretty day. Walked around & admired the country, in the afternoon called at Mrs. Cameron's & spent an exceedingly pleasant evening. To describe these ladies is a task we scarcely feel equal to, suffice it to say that he for whom beauty has charms & can enjoy the pleasure of meeting elegant & entertaining ladies, would here linger more than a usual while.

Wednesday 8.    Returned to Mr. A's. In Evening walked in to Lexington, heard and saw nothing but some good looking girls going to prayer meeting. Took supper and stayed all night at Clifton. A Spring shower lasted almost all night.

Thursday 9.    Day dawned bright & beautiful. Walked in to Lexington and thence directed our course to Mr. Hugh Mackey's some five miles out on the Covington Road. Found road very muddy, but managed to get along by taking to the fields. The weather about as warm as June. Got to Mr. M's in time for dinner, very hospitable family, with two very pretty and clever girls, in whom of course we soon became interested & with singing & piano music spent the Evening very pleasantly.

Friday 10th.    (fasting day). Rained & snowed during the night but the day cleared off very well. Much better pleased as we became better acquainted with the ladies. Miss Maggie with her beautiful curls, interesting features and so much at ease withal would be sure to attract admiration while her sister Miss Ginnie, a little quieter has very pretty eyes and equally entertaining, consequently we prolonged our stay, as leisure could not be more agreeable spent. The ladies chatted, sang & played very well & we did the best we could for the credit of the "old land."

Saturday 11th.    After several ineffectual attempts we at last succeeded in "tearing ourselves away" & shaking hands with our fair friends climbed lazily up the rugged hills & in a short while arrived at the house of our old friend Mr. Bare. We were mighty kindly received, altho' Ike was away from home. We have met a fellow of our kind, a son of the old land, by the way a Jolly fellow (Gittings from Fredk Co. Md). Saw Ike in the evening & talked of old times, until in a soft bed we slept the sleep of innocence.

Sunday 12.    Bright & cheerful Sabbath day, although we heard no church bell tolling; attended no church today, composed ourselves and planned for the future. Ike generously offered to show us around generally. Took a ramble after dinner & fetched up at Z's where we found blooming maidens, all in their teens-two of them visitors. Found no difficulty in soon being on good terms & consequently didn't get home until the night was drawing near the witching hour. Enjoyed our moonlight midnight walk home, think "furloughing" mighty pleasant for so far all has gone "merry as a marriage bell"

Monday 13th.    Set out formally for a foot ramble, today appears to be if possible more bright & genial than the last week, the robin is in the greenwood, & we nothing scarcely to remind us of war, which elsewhere in old Virginia is so painfully evident. Ike, like McGregor having "foot upon his native hills directed our course to the "Buffalo" a small creek along the banks of which is a considerable settlement' turned up about dinner time at Mr. Kygers, where we found several fair damsels including a teacher Miss Landrum from Campbell who tho inclined to be dignified & stand on etiquette still has pretty features & faultless complexion. We spent time exceedingly pleasant here, liked the ladies very much, they appear artless & frank. Just the style of girls we admire & we think ourselves no mean judges. Remained here over night. This place is beautifully situated, at the foot of a very high mountain called the Short Hill which must command the country for miles.

Tuesday 14th.    Adieu to our fair friends & on our march again, waded "Buffalo" & proceeded up Coeliers Creek to Collierstown, quite a village straggled for several miles up & down the creek - the country here is much broken, yet fertile, met some old friends here, in the evening called on Dr Wilkinson & the strangers were soon at ease. The Dr has a very intelligent daughter, Miss Cynthia & several younger ones, now going to school, who entertained us charmingly, played chess & cards, sang & read poetry, indeed we candidly think this young lady is as agreeable & sociable & attractive as any one we have yet met, being one of those rarities a sensible woman. The younger sisters promise to be of the same kind. The old Dr is pretty jolly, very sensible & treated us first rate, has a son a soldier who was at home. Remained here the night, the weather having clouded & threatening rain.

Wednesday 15th.    Rained all night and no sign of leaving off today. Started out in the shower and went up the creek to Mr. Younts, gentleman not at home but his lady received us kindly & pretty soon a lassie dropped in, met a young man here also & so we managed to pass the time, while the rains were descending & the winds roaring without. We are now only a few miles from the rugged peaks of the North Mountains one of which the House Mountain is remarkable as a curiosity. These mountains are infested with deserters who sally out and annoy the citizens, doing much damage.

Thursday 16th.    "Water, Water Everywhere" the cry as still it rains, so of course we were compelled to stay within doors, plan play cards & amuse ourselves as best we could. The young lady still remained & it is a settled fact that where girls there we are like old King Richard "ourselves again."

Friday 17th.    St. Patrick's Day. Everything beautiful & smiling this morning, the clouds that lately lowered o'er us being in the deep bosom of the ocean buried. Felt in much better spirits as we once more went forth on the war path, took the Covington & Lexington road & made our stopping place at Mr. Mackays where we found our fair acquaintances looking as charming as the blushing rose. Had some sweet music and spent a few hours pleasantly and sociably & went back home the same course we had wandered nearly a week ago. Arrived at Mr. Bears in good order, having enjoyed our weeks ramble & long will we remember the bright eyes & sweet countenances of ye many fair ones of the hills & vales of Rockbridge, that are brighter than the flowers which hide their diminutive heads. Found a young man at home Mr. Morgan whom we accompanied home after supper, where we once more fell in with several young lassies, whose dreamy eyes betokened that they were of such stuff as love is made of & here staid till midnight & when the bright morn was shedding its silvery flood o'er the enchanted earth, ye might have seen us stalking home to our repose.

Saturday 18th.    Another bright, joyous day, lovely as a woman's smile. Set out for Elliott's Hill, to attend singing school learning it was quite a resort for the fair ones of the neighborhood. Was not disappointed on our arrival there as we saw quite a collection of beauty, among whom even several of our acquaintances we had made on our recent ramble. Quite a pleasant time made new acquaintances & confirmed ourselves with the old & separated here Albaugh having business on hand so Ike & Fernhake branched off & after a walk of a few miles came to Miss Raders, a place hidden in a hollow where we met a Miss Acker from Rockingham. Had a pleasant time as usual & Isaac especially as here he was "the Saturday 18th (cont) lion in his den, the Douglas in his hall" - remained all night & till next evening when we walked back to church & listened to quite a sensible sermon & thence wended our way homeward * Albaugh finally got home looking like Micawber waiting for something to turn up. Hearing that Mr. Jno Alexander was at home, determined to go there tomorrow. Sat by the fire & talked with the family. The old man is straightforward - true as steel to the cause one of those who exhibit no discouragement & does his best for the army. The old lady is very plain & kind toward us like a mother & her daughter Sallie is an excellent girl, indeed we couldn't have fallen on a better or more welcome place.

Monday 20th.    Walked to Lexington & thence out to our good friends, who doubtless were surprised at our long absence. Met Mrs. Trevillian a very entertaining young lady lately married. Our old friend Moffit looking as jolly as usual. Took dinner with Archie & in evening staid with Mrs. A. at "Clifton" where we were agreeably surprised meeting with Miss Bettie Campbell whom we had seen a few nights before out at Mrs. Morgans. Miss Bettie is a right sweet girl & we enjoyed her company very much. The weather continues delightfully pleasant, mild & balmy. What is charming as the early spring, nothing if we except the bright smiles that haunt our waking & sleeping moments but alas we have none to beam on us which we can claim our own. Mr. Alexander not at home having just started for the army. Very sorry not to have seen him. When we first arrived at Lexington, we visited the tomb of the Christian soldier, our own Jackson & standing here felt & said as Washington by the grave of DeKalb "Here lies a great man - His enemies even revered him, the world has acknowledged his power & his genius & when we cease to forget him, then is mankind perished from our soil. Vale." March 22, 1865

Tuesday 21st.    Went this morning to Lexington, met several acquaintances, went back pretty jolly to Mr. Archie Alexander's. Here remained the afternoon. A terrific thunder storm came on after night making the hills reverberate while the vivid flashes of the lightning might have reminded us of "Byron" if we hadn't been too sleepy.

Wednesday 22nd.    Went to Lexington again & agreeably surprised falling in with several of our Point Lookout boys, who had been roaming around since we parted with them at Richmond. Finding town mighty dull & longing for more agreeable society, we were not long in travelling across the fields to our kind friends at Mrs. Camerons. The young ladies all looked like "Graces" & we spent the evening charmingly - remained the night & far into the morning. Had music & the song, indeed candor compels the admission that we have not had time so pleasant & society so attractive since we have been in Rockbridge. We feel perplexed in describing these ladies. Miss Rose is no "Prim" though called so, with her free spirits & indescribable eye with its expression so bewitching - and her sister Miss Sallie is downright handsome but appears as if she was in love, a fascinating girl & Miss Maggie Tate is very pretty tho apparently more quiet. All equally entertaining & if it's difficult to convey an idea of one bonnie lassie when we have three to talk of we give it up in despair. Mrs. Cameron is exceedingly kind & hospitable to soldiers with whom she must be much annoyed & the boys are all gentlemen of the first water.

Thursday 23rd.    Went into Lexington, heard news from Johnston very favorable. Staid here but a short while ere we wended our way to Mr. Bare's. Evening all went visiting among the neighbours. Albaugh staid all night where he went & Ike & Fearhake got lost in the woods coming home, falling in the branch and brier bushes and Ike Like a true bear did some scientific hugging of a tree. It's no fun to travel in a snow storm at midnight, don't pay even when you have been to see the girls.

Friday 24th.    A kind of March day. Ike went away taking his little sister to school. Remained in the house all day & in the evening by invitation went over to Morgan's expecting to fall in with a dancing party. In this disappointed, met however his 3 sisters. Charming girls heretofore described, & also Bettie Campbell - ditto. Had quite a pleasant time didn't get to bed till midnight. Met two Louisianians, who appear pretty good fellows. Heard more & better news from old Joseph E. - hope its true.

Saturday 25.    Remained last night at Mr. M's - had some music this morning. Saw Miss Bettie off & ourselves shortly after. Albaugh went over to ye singing school. Saw a number of the young beauties of the vicinity, had a lively time, got home by nightfall. Sat by the fire after supper, sang songs for the old folks until we all got sleepy, when we did as sensible people always do - went to bed and dreamed of happier olden time & of future pleasure. Hope the war will speedily end and all our bright dreamings be realized.

Sunday 26th.    Started away this morning for a trip to the Natural Bridge, attended church at Elliotts Hill. The day was very pretty. Saw many girls at the church - the sermon was only tolerable. Walked leisurely along, stopped at the residence of Mr. Moffatt, near Fancy Hill where we took dinner, very clever fellow, a soldier. Was much pleased with the beautiful country round Fancy Hill, decidedly the prettiest we have seen yet on our travels, reminding us vividly of old Maryland. In the afternoon called at the Morris' where we saw our old prison friend Julius, several ladies, very sociable & companionable, one with curls, very pretty & very much like an old Maryland acquaintance Miss Susie Grimes. Remained here the evening, this is a charming country (name Forest Hill) only 4 miles from the Bridge.

Monday 27th.    A very pretty day. Walked forth in the morning & journeyed to the Natural Bridge. This being our first visit here, we were not prepared from previous accounts & our own imaginations to see so grand, so stupendous a wonder, the greatest of all curiosities in old Virginia & equal we suppose to almost anything in the world. It is useless to attempt a description, he only who visits it can have an adequate idea of the great bridge. Standing at the brink of the limpid little stream which flows beneath, we looked up the great arch, which no mortal builded and with a sense of awe realized that God is here. This is a bridge of faith over which Atheism can never pass. We lingered here a little while viewing the wonder from several stand points & thought of the time when the great Washington carved his name on these rocks & it is said threw a silver dollar over the arch. The height Cedar Creek to the arch we could not learn but know it is higher than it appears, perhaps some 170 feet. The whole height of Bridge is said to be 240 feet. From here we walked out to see Mr. Wheeler, who came originally from Washington Co. Md. & took dinner with him, for we know that it is mutually agreeable to see ye sons of the old State. Stopped at evening at Mrs. Moffits, where we remained all night, a very hospitable family.

Tuesday 28.    Struck over to the plank road, for the sake of variety, and as the clouds threatened rain wanted to be nearer our base of operations. Followed this road to the Buffalo & turned in to Mr. Moore's, where we met a prison acquaintance, his son. Found here several young ladies. Very engaging, full of life, just the ones we were looking for, and of course here we rested, stayed the night, had a pleasant chat & enjoyed the occasion much. Liked the style of these girls, very indisposed to leave & among so many of ye fair ones & so many pleasant remembrances hereinbefore recorded, consider this is not at all among the least. Name of the place which is prettily situated is "Hill & Dale" - no misnomer by any means.

Wednesday 29.    This morning started for Baers crossed the Buffalo which here makes considerable bend at a bridge and toddled along very leisurely it being quite warm - got lame about noon. Found Ike away, met some girls from town here who took dinner. Feel refreshed after our trip & spent the night visiting.

Thursday 30.    Stayed around here all day. Albaugh not returned this morning. Father Bear went to blacksmith shop where met Ike returning home from Allegany. Rested quietly "otuim cum dignitate." Sang for the old people till bed time, when we drew the drapery of our couch about us & sank down to pleasant dreams.

Friday 31.    Went out visiting to a neighbours Mrs. Irvings, an Irish family, where we were mighty kindly entertained, the widow was very pleasant, read some Irish papers, got some pretty flowers. Nobody here but us - the family must be quite lonely. Returned home after dinner. In the evening some ladies & gentleman called in from Collinstown & we went out & brought in some girls from the neighbourhood & had a fandango or as Ike calls it a "gum sucking" party. Had an elegant time the ladies all looked very pretty and we spent the best part of the night in jollity, song & playing. Made some new lady acquaintances, Miss Tribbett, a quiet but rather pretty girl & Miss Sophie Yount, a jolly good girl, with whom we were wonderfully pleased.

Saturday April 1st.    All Fools day. This morning we started off, a dozen of us, to singing school, all like Jno Gilpin prepared to dash through thick & thin. We rode along merrily making the hills & woods ring. A large attendance at the singing. The girls like the Spring birds were all out in their gayest plumage. Saw many acquaintances. Loitered here a few hours then homeward, some of the boys being rather jolly, especially the man what rode the long eared horse.

Sunday April 2nd.    A most beautiful Sabbath day. Remained at Mr. Bears during the morning. Miss Sophie remained also & as she is mighty pleasant & sociable company got along well. As Miss Sophie went home in the evening we here divided our forces, F accompanying the young lady to her home on the south river some 8 miles distant. Had a pleasant ride with Miss S. with whom better pleased & arrived at her home before sundown where met several ladies, Miss Showalter & Miss Teery. Remained here until Tuesday afternoon & had a very agreeable time of it, the family very hospitable & the lassies very charming. It was difficult to get one's self away. Had pleasure of teaching German and giving adieu to my fair friends. Reached Mr. Bares about 4 o'clock having stopped in by the way to have a talk with our jolly friend Moffitt. Albaugh & Ike started visiting Sunday afternoon & had a jolly time so much so as not to get home till midnight. On Monday being court day went in to Lexington. Town well thronged with people, saw everybody there. Met several of "our fellow" Marylanders from prison, heard all the news. Returned home in the evening, found Ike "sawing gourds." Stayed home all the evening. Rained considerable. Slept soundly & tried to rival Ike in the 'gourd sawing" business. Tuesday morning stayed at home, Ike making preparations to take the field. Indeed the time is drawing near when we must all be off to the wars again. Went over to Mr. Morgans in the evening & had a very good time, playing cards with the sweet girls there & came home about 10 at night. Found F. snug in bed grinding gourd seed to make up for time. Must have had a regular concert that night but nobody but the mice was awake to listen.

Wednesday April 5.    Lingered around about the house during the forenoon, Ike having like a true knight gone "bound for ventures great" in other words being off on a wooing expedition. Hope him deserved success. Took a nap after dinner. N.B. we always take good care never to be caught napping. Roamed over the hills seeking adventure & after a toilsome tramp when the "shades of eve were falling fast" we found ourselves at the mansion of our friend Mr. Mackays. Here we fell in with several gentlemen, in uniform and spent a pleasant time till midnight. The young ladies were looking as blooming as ever. Staid all night during which we had more rain & next morning wended the well-known road back to our hospitable quarters.

Thursday April 6th.    Arrived at home at dinnertime. Heard the serious news of the evacuation of Richmond which made us feel pretty blue, & to cheer up spirits a little adjourned a short way over the hills to Zollmans, had several smiles which put a better aspect over things & prepared us to chat with three young ladies visitors besides the entertaining girls of the family. Didn't get home till the Queen of night was walking the midheavens in her beauty.

Friday April 7th.    Ike arrived from his reconnaissance last night & this morning to learn the news, as the Yanks were reported advancing up the valley, & as the most alarming & discouraging reports were circulating generally, we walked in to Lexington & out to Mr. Alexanders to get our baggage. Bid goodbye to the family whose kindness and hospitality shall ever dwell in our memory & also to Archie & his lady who have treated us beyond all anticipations. Mrs. A. being a most charming & clever lady & Archie a bluff honest upright man & also adieu to our friend Moffitt, a prince of good fellows. Trudged along back to Lexington and from there back to Mr. B's where we found the young ladies we had met the evening before. Accompanied them home & all three of us tarried the evening at Zollmans, where we had a gay time.

Saturday April 8.    Took a walk to the singing at Elliots Hill. Kind of disappointed, singing proving a failure. However, we accompanied the Morgan girls home, had a mighty pleasant walk, being a very pretty day. Took supper at Mr. M's & came home in good time to enjoy a sound sleep.

Sunday April 9.    Concluded not to go to church today. Ira remained at home, Mr. Bare & F walked over to Zollmans to see sick horse. Had some elegant brandy as usual & a fine mess of fresh fish for dinner. A little more encouraging news afloat but things still wear a gloomy aspect. Raining today.

Monday April 10.    Met Capt Tilghman & Mr. Singleton at Mr. Bare's last night. Ira rode down toward the natural bridge to look after a horse these gentlemen who are impressing agents had lost, Rained considerable today. Everything looked gloomy & mood so when George & Adam arrived bringing the news of the capitulation & dispersion of Gen. Lee's army disasters "come not in single spies but in battalions." We are now in a most awkward dilemma not knowing what to do. Ira arrived after a most unsuccessful search after the horse. Think the Confederacy gave up as our last & almost the only bulwark against our ruin is now "shattered & sundered," O Tempora O Mores.

Tuesday April 11.    Lay around house all day. News confirmed of Gen. Lee's surrender, we begin to revive from the great blow and are waiting to see a way clear to walk in.

Wednesday April 12.    As the weather looked cloudy we concluded to go fishing so we walked to the Buffalo & there spent the evening & set out trot lines having a muddy tramp of it back home.

Thursday April 13.    Drew our lines this morning catching four eels. Nothing occurred to break the monotony of our life at present, only meeting many stragglers from the army, who are hurrying homeward "to town & tower, down & dale, to tell the sad & dismal tale & raise the universal wail."

Friday April 14.    Walked into Lexington in the afternoon after burning brush. Nothing strange transpiring. Met old friend B, heard from all the boys. B. came turned in with us, resolved shortly to turn our steps homeward.

Saturday April 15.    Rained all night. Went again into town with old Tilghman. Rosser reported trying to rally the scattered fragments of the cavalry. Went out courting in the evening. Tom & Ad came in on a dead heat looking rather jolly.

Sunday April 16.    Easter. Stayed around the house till the afternoon & then cleaning up pontoons, started our heavy scout. Were halted at Mr. Hs. Retired in tolerable order about 9 o'clock. Found the boys abed also a holy Joe employed in the gourd business. Don't expect to see a chicken for a week to come for the enemy has driven them to be brush so says Tom and he speaks by the book.

Monday April 17.    Walked into Lexington this morning. Heard no news but saw Hancocks proclamation which we concluded 'twas best for us under our peculiar & unique circumstances to accept. In afternoon Tom, Ira & Ike went over to Morgans & spent a pleasant time taking a parting smile with the old cock. Blake & Fearhake stayed at home with the girls.

Tuesday April 18.    After a good breakfast prepared our traps for a tour down the valley. Took farewell leave of all our good friends whose kindness & hospitality dwell evergreen in our hearts, and trudged along, Tom on his mare. Halted at Midway to take dinner the old lady having prepared us sundry eatables, among which we were agreeably surprised to find a fat capon, off which we dined heartily. Met some old cits and half way soldiers showing some heavy blowing. Passed through Greenville & found excellent quarters at the house of Mr. Hawks, a mile the other side. Found food for the mare & ourselves & after bathing feet & singing several songs retired early to peaceful slumbers. Travelled 28 miles today.

Wednesday April 19.    Very pretty weather like yesterday. Again set forth & reached Staunton early in the day. Went around to Mrs. Cherrys & spent an hour there. Found her preparing to leave for Maryland. Before we got to Staunton in some 5 miles of the place noticed a singular freak of nature - a small stream running into the base of a high hill, tumbling down over rocks through a small opening in the earth an unfathomable distance. Resembles exactly Lost River on a small scale. Trudged on from Staunton down the Valley pike and stopped in 1 1/2 miles from Mr. Crawford at the residence of Mr. Roler's who treated us hospitably. Here spent the night. Have travelled today 26 1/2 miles making 54 1/2 miles in two days.

Thursday April 20.    Started out early. Travelled to Luray Springs. There took stage to New Market. No Federals in the town when we arrived. Met several of our boys here. Went out of town 1 mile to Mr. Bushong's. Stayed. Very clever family. Travelled today 29 miles, feel quite tired.

Friday 21st.    Started about sunrise. Weather foggy threatening rain. Travelled over a beautiful country this morning over Rudd's Hill & Meen's Bottoms. Came into the Federal Lines at the River. Treated kindly. Travelled on through Mt Jackson, Edensburg, Woodstock & several other small villages. Found good quarters tonight one mile beyond Woodstock. Thunder storm. Very tired.

Saturday 22d.                 I hold it true what'ere befall                          

                                        I feel it when I sorrow most

                                        'Tis better to have loved and lost

                                        Than never to have loved at all.

 

Select Appendix to see the writings Ira made in the back of his diary. They are poems and songs that were his favorites.


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