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

string which were lying along the road. Our captain
dismounted to examine them (as he said, they looked
strange), when he found a hand grenade attatched to each of
the strings. He placed a guard over them until the general
came up. After that, we rode shy of all red strings. We
then rode through the famous Ashby's Gap, and about noon we
[45] came to the "Shenandoah." It was pretty well up, and I got
pretty well wet in fording it, as my horse stumbled into a
deep hole. After crossing, we halted about an hour for the
column to cross. We then started down the Millwood Pike
for Winchester, where we arrived about 3 P.M. We then took
the road to our old camp. When we arrived, we found some
of our shantys torn down, but ours had escaped. We soon
had a good fire going and some supper under weigh. We then
spread our blankets and lay down for the first quiet sleep
in nine days.
Dec. 28th, Wednesday. Did not turn out until after 7
o'clock. The [word omitted], which stayed behind us, now
came up, bringing our tenting and things which we left
behind, also our mail matter, I receiving one letter and
three papers. Fixed ourselves snug. Once more, nothing
going on. Suffering considerable, as I am almost
barefooted.
Dec. 29th, Thursday. Received orders today to be ready to
move tomorrow morning to another camp. Weather still very
cold and uncomfortable.
Dec. 30th, Friday. Boots and saddles sounded about 6 A.M.,
[46] but we did [not] get off until 9 A.M., when we took the
road to Winchester. Passed through the town and struck the
"Berryville" Pike, which we followed about a mile, then
turned off to the left and halted beside a strip of woods.
After considerable delay, we filed in and pitched our
tents, Davidson, Shine, Tom, and I going together this
time. A picket of 50 men was immediatly sent out from this
regiment, I being one. Answered my wife's letter.
Dec. 31st, Saturday. The last day of the year and the last
day of my boots also, they falling to pieces with me,
desperately cold weather to help things, and so ends 1864.
1865
January 1st, Sunday. The New Year opens very cold. 150
men for picket from the regiment today, 50 of them
dismounted. Was detailed. Tried to get excused, but the
major said, if we were barefooted, we should go. On
hearing this, the captain took off his own boots and gave
them to me. Started
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