[from the diary of Charles Hay of the 23rd Ohio]
Lebark[?]. Ohio, Aug. 20, 1862, – Morning
At 4 P.M. yesterday we had arrived at
the mouth of the Great Kanawha, and for
the first time in months, and to some
for more than a year, our eyes viewed
the soil of our native State, the glorious
Ohio. As the “Logan” rounded to at
Point Pleasant, and commenced ploughing
the waters of the Ohio, a loud cheer broke
the silence, coming spontaneously from the
soldiers on board, who felt that the
occasion was certainly an epoch in their
lives. An hour or so after entering the
Ohio, we neared Pomeroy, the county-seat of
Meigs Co., Ohio. On touching at the wharf,
we were greeted with hurrahs and cheers,
together with more substantial proofs of
kindness and patriotism; a shower of
cakes, pies, and fruit, miscellaneously
thrown amongst us. This, the gift of
the good people of Pomeroy to entire strangers,
is regarded as an earnest of their patriotism &
loyalty. The incident has made an impress
upon all concerned, which will not soon
be forgotten, nor can we speak of the
citizens of Pomeroy without awakening
pleasant thoughts in the minds of those,
who were recipients of the edibles, and
had such kindness shown them by the
Pomeroy people. We will not soon forget
such. Long may they live, and
happily.
At dark, we left Pomeroy, and proceeded
gradually up the river, and a short time
after night we ‘tied up,’ as it was
said the river was so low in places as
to be difficult of passage, even with the
aid of daylight. At dawn this morn=
=ing we were again on the way, but had
proceeded but a short distance before
we were compelled to lighten the boat in
order that she might pass over the shoals
opposite here. As a matter of course, this
was done by the soldiers getting off, and
going above on foot. It being difficult
for the boat to pass over, we had plenty
of time to stroll about this pretty little
village, and converse with the denizens,
who were quite friendly and communicative.
They gave many of us excellent breakfasts,
and uniformly treated us kindly. Such
manifestations of kindness will touch
the heart and feelings of the roughest
Soldier, as they do. How often have
I heard the contrast drawn by numbers
that within a day or two past we
have been the recipients of more kindness
than in our whole Western Va., campaign,
from Western Virginians.
Portland, O., Aug. 20. Evening
We proceeded slowly today in consequence
of the low stage of the water. Without
incident of note, we gained this point about
the middle of the afternoon. At Buffington’s
Island, a short distance below, there are a
number of boats endeavoring to come up.
It will require time and labor to succeed.
Most of the citizens here are very kind,
and affable, and courteous.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13925
