THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865

to leave our tents standing and not load our horses as we
were coming back. Mounted about 6 1/2 A.M., about which
time the first and third divisions of cavalry got under
weigh and started up the Front Royal Pike. Us being
rearguard, we did not get off until about 10 A.M. We came
to a halt at the north fork of the Shenandoah to allow
those ahead of us to cross, which we did in single file.
The river proper was a little higher and of course more
difficult. Made a short halt this side of Front Royal and
then pushed on about five miles beyond the town, where we
bivouaced for the night. Rails were rather scarce but we
managed to keep comfortable.
Dec. 20th, Tuesday. Reveille about 3.30 A.M. Boots and
[33] saddles about 5, as we were to have the advance. Very cold
in consequence of a nor-wester. About a mile on the road,
my horse cast his right fore-shoe, thereby making him lame.
I had to face out as I was not able to keep up, but I
obtained a shoe from the captain, which set me all right
again. Fell out and had it set and did not overtake my
command until we arrived at the village of "Flint Hill" (a
one-horse concern). Made a short halt and then pushed on
through "Little Washington," which is quite a respectablelooking
place. Stopped and got some splendid hot cornbread
off an old negress, for which I promised to pay her when we
got back, and rode off for "Sperryville." As we came up,
we could see the rebel pickets on a hill beyond the town,
but they did not wait for us. We left the town to our
right and rear and took a dirt road, which led towards
"Madison City." Here again we came on their pickets, which
left as before, and we continued our march until about 6
1/2 A.M., when we came to a halt for the night. Just
before halting, a bushwacker fired on one of our scouts,
who immediatly
[34] returned it. Pickets (dismounted) were ordered off the
right, and I, being on the right, had to go. Stood about
an hour and then fell back to the reserve, which was pushed
about a mile back. Got a fire started and soon had supper
under weigh. Whilst getting supper, was detailed for
guard, at which I prayed considerably, but it was no use.
Stood my first at 8 1/2 P.M.
Dec. 21st, Wednesday. Passed an awful miserable night, as
it commenced snowing and hailing about 1 A.M. So that it
was impossible to lie down, so I sat on a stone by the
captain's fire and caught a nap the best I could. During
the night, the captain had his cook make coffee for the
guard every time they came off post. About 7 A.M., we
saddled up and about 8 1/2 we started off as rearguard.
Wet, cold, and miserable. We marched about two miles
through the cold, drizzling rain and then came to a halt at
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