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

[47] for brigade headquarters without rations and had to return
for them. Whilst at our tent, the party marched off. Tom
and I started across lots to over haul them, but missing
the paths on account of the snow, we went astray and
wandered about for several hours in desperate plight, as we
did not know but what we were going towards rebeldom, and
if we came on our own lines after dark, we were apt to be
shot for bushwhackers. At last we struck a pike and sat
down to wait for someone to come along to tell us where we
were. After waiting some time, two mounted men came along
and told us that we were on the "Front Royal" Pike, half a
mile from Winchester. We came to the conclusion to strike
for camp, which we did, and arrived there just as "taps"
were sounding, well tired out after our eight-hour tramp.
We soon turned in and forgot all our hardships in the land
of dreams.
Jan. 2nd, Monday. Out about 6 1/2 A.M. Got breakfast,
Davidson and Tom going into the woods to chop and split
logs
[48] for the shanty, "Shinie" being sick and I cook. Got the
logs over by evening and ready to put up. Got excused on
account of not being well today. Weather very cold and the
men suffering very much for lack of clothing and boots.
Jan. 5th, Thursday. Detailed for and went on picket today.
Jan. 7th, Saturday. Came off picket today. Intensely cold
and storming furiously for the last twenty-four hours. Was
glad to get in. Drew a pair of boots, as they had got
round at last.
Jan. 10th, Tuesday. Seven of our company came up from
remount camp, amongst them Mr. J. [?] Synder, who tells me
that Lieut. Draper of this regiment has drawn my box from
the express office some time since.
Jan 12th, Thursday. Received a letter from home and
answered it.
Jan 15th, Sunday. Went on picket today on the "Berryville"
Pike. Six of the picket went outside our lines to forage
and were attacked and one killed, one severely wounded, the
rest escaping. Towards evening, we received orders to
[49] blockade the road, as we were likely to be attacked at any
moment, as large bodies of rebels had been seen in our
vicinity. A sharp lookout to be kept and no one to sleep.
Jan. 16th, Monday. The night passed off without any
trouble, as they did not come near us.
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