[from the diary of Eugene M. Cox of the Albemarle Border Guards]

Had an alarm last night–all fell promptly into line–the alarm proved false and we were taken to qrs. and dismissed–Sunday dawns upon us again and as usual we have marching orders–8 1/2 A.M. We were ordered to be ready at this hour, to move we know not where–Between 9 and 10 A. M. regiment was put in motion and head of Column turned in the direction of Summerville–arrived within on mile of “Gauley River” (McVey’s Ferry) by 1 o’clock P. M. –here we halted for a while–15 yankee prisoners taken by some of Genl. Floyd’s forces passed us here–they were being taken to the interior–In consequence of some order from Genl. Floyd we had to retrace our steps–This gave general dissatisfaction to men and officers–Genl. Wise here appeared before us (1st reg.) and addressed us as follows;–“Men of the 1st regiment of my legion, I appear before you to say that we have been marched here twice to no purpose and that with the help of your arms I am determined to encamp at the “Hawk’s Nest” this very night.” this expression brought out deafening applause from the men–at about 2 P.M. head of Column turned about and directed toward the “Hawk’s Nest”, all bouyant at the thoughts of making a little dash–It was a long march to commence at so late an hour–a distance of 15 or 16 miles, without dinner and having marched 8 miles in the foe noon–Proceeded on our toilsome march–reached “Dogwood Gap” by sun down–here we were ordered to stop for the night–weary and broken down we threw ourselves upon the ground tentless and supperless to rest until our provision wagons should come up–The wagons were much delayed in turning around and by narrow and very bad roads–it is doubtful whether they will get up with us before tomorrow. Sic transit Sabbath–

MSS 38-221