[from the diary of Charles Hay of the 23rd Ohio]
Cannellton, Va., Aug. 17
This morning was but a repetition of
the two previous ones, reveille long before
day, a lighting of camp fires, a bustle,
hurry, and confusion, a general shaking
off of drowsiness, that had just had
time to creep upon us so securely. The
fabled God, Morpheus has centered upon
her the affections of all in camp at
this time, but few there are who have
a chance to court her favors, with any
degree of satisfaction. Daybreak found
us on the road, and we reached the
summit of Cotton Mountain before the
heat became oppressive. The ascent of
this mountain is difficult, but, as
we had the cool of the morning for
it, the task was easier. Before noon,
we struck the river, and down its
banks we traveled eleven miles, under
the influence of a broiling sun, the
steep hills on either side shutting
out the air, so that no breeze fans
us, but we go plodding along at mid=
=day, literally roasting with heat. At
3 o’clock P.M. we reached this place,
and encamped. The village, or what
passes as such, is on the opposite (north)
bank of the Kanawha. From the fact
that considerable Cannel coal is dug, and
exported from here, this village is named
Cannellton. This place is above the head
of navigation, at low stages of water,
but, when the river is up, boats can
run above some six or eight miles.
At present, navigation for ordinary boats
ceases at Camp Piatt, nearly 20 miles
below.
Soon after our arrival in camp, some
of the soldiers observed on the river bank,
two or three barrels, which, upon being
opened, proved to be excellent hams. A
general rush, and seizure of the prize, was made,
despite all fear of authority or law. This
proved a windfall for us, in our hungry state.
We marched, today, some 23 miles.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13925
