Description

Diaries 4 and 5 are missing. This one starts on May 9 after Sackman's regiment came to Gauley Bridge. The 11th Ohio regiment joins them, and the 44th (Sackman's regiment) then has orders for the Expedition to Lewisburg and Jackson River Depot, leaving on May 11. They join the 47th Regiment along New River and march together with 50 wagons. Nearing Sewell Mountain (which he spells "Sauil"), they hear that the Union took Lewisburg. At Meadow Bluff Post Office they part ways with the 47th, which returns to Gauley Bridge with empty wagons to send back with provisions. Sackman briefly describes Lewisburg then records the earlier battle. Part of the 47th and the 2nd Virginia Cavalry are there. Sackman is ordered on a scouting expedition with the 36th Regiment and some cavalry, to Jackson River Depot ("Stacion," later Clifton Forge, Virginia). He details cavalry action, and provisions and equipment they captured after "rebels" left Covington. They return to Lewisburg on the 18th only to face problems with provisions, although the wagons from Gauley Bridge arrive. A bushwhacker who shot at a wounded Union soldier returning to camp is captured and removed to Gauley Bridge. On the 23rd the Battle of Lewisburg commences before breakfast, with the 44th under the command of Colonel Samuel A. Gilbert, and Sackman describes it and the aftermath. The "printing office" is seized and a newspaper called Yankee printed. On May 29 they return to Meadow Bluff (Deitz Farm) and build a camp, which is where the diary ends on May 31.