Augusta County: Achilles Tynes to Hattie Tynes, July 25, 1864
Summary:
Achilles writes to his wife in one day about troop movement, and even temptations of the
flesh which he overcomes by keeping her in his mind.
5 o'clock A.M. July 25, 64.
Two miles below Bunkers Hill.
Well, dear, the chances for getting home soon "grow smaller by degrees and beautifully less". About sundown yesterday the infantry passed by our train down the Valley. At midnight our train received orders to join the Brigade line and to all appearances we are bound on another mission. I hear that 15,000 reinforcements are marching down the Valley to join us. If this is so, then we are off to Pennsylvania or Maryland again. Yesterday our Cavalry chased the enemy into Martinsburg and a portion of them entered the town but were soon forced to leave it, but we will reenter it today. I think and perhaps may have another battle. Until then, Adieu. Ah yes.' I suppose you have seen that Hood succeeds Joe Johnston in Georgia and Trimble of Charleston. See in messenger that Grant is said to be killed. General Mulligen is at Winchester and is bound to die. I think has five wounds.
8 A.M. 25, 64.
The whole army is advancing on Martinsburg where the enemy was drawn up
in line of Battle last night in heavy form with 4000 cavalry under Averill. Mars Jubal,
Breckinridge, Gordon & McCausland, with other general officers are in ten yards of me.
They expect a heavy fight today. Cavalry fighting yesterday pretty heavy and has commenced
again this morning.
Haynesville near Falling Waters Potomac River.
7 P.M. 25th July, '64.
Great was the
chagrin and disappointment of this army on finding that the enemy had continued their flight
across the Potomac last night. We pursued them as far as Williamsport, Maryland and found except a few pickets the main force has continued its flight through
Maryland probably into Pennsylvania. The
indication of a fearful panic continued to the very banks of the Potomac. We are ten miles in
advance of the infantry which is encamped at Martinsburg. What General Early will do next, of course, I don't know but I think there will be a movement
here soon which will make the heart of my little wife glad. I was sitting on my horse at a
crossroad today while the troops were going into camp talking to
Colonel Cochran of the 14th and two or three other officers who were
standing in the road when two young ladies, elegantly dressed and splendidly mounted, came
riding by. One of them looked and smiled so sweetly, as she bowed and waved her hand as she
passed us, that I turned in the saddle to look a second time. She gracefully turned her
beautiful head and from the tips of her fairy fingers wafted me a kiss. Jerusalem, of course I
returned it, as gracefully as the suddenness of the action would allow! Asked Colonel Cochran to knock me off my horse if he pleased which he refused
to do. Fact is I threw a somersault from my horse, sprung into it again, and vowing I could not
stand
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such banter set off after her. Rode a mile, had a very pleasant time and
after promising to call on the Misses Turner, bade them an affectionate farewell. Oh, yes, they
were intimate friends of the young lady I spoke of in a former letter as having given me a pair
of gauntletts.
I tell you there are great temptations here for a newly married man from home, but I think of Harry and all is nothing.
