Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary

Am deprived of my visit to the city today by a general order which requires all Officers and soldiers to get a pass from the Division Commander before he can be passed into town. A requirement which seems rather too strict for the exigencies of the service or the good of anyone concerned but as we are sworn to obey our supervisors and it being too much trouble to get a pass have to content myself as best I can.

Sunday, April 23, 1865

Spend the day in writing letters, reading papers to prepare for a grand service tomorrow which is to be conducted by Sheridan in person a sight which has rarely been seen even by the oldest soldiers in a Cavalry Corps as large as ours all out on review. Preparatory to the morrow the Cav. are ordered to be inspected in their Company streets and we are expected to have arms and clothing in the best condition.

Monday, April 24, 1865

Get orders to move this morning at 6 o'clock and it causes much conjecture as to the direction which we will take and the object of the movement. Move at the appointed hour and in the direction which indicates that we are to join Sherman. Cross Stoney creek passing through Dinwiddie C. H. on the Boidton plank road. Cross Nottaway river at Burkett's Bridge and encamp near the river having marched 27 miles. The weather is very pleasant.

Tuesday, April 25, 1865

Move from Camp on the Nottaway river at six o'clock in the morning in the rear of the Corps, and move at a slow pace and reach the banks of the Maherin river at 9 o'clock, and there encamp for the night, having marched twenty-one miles. The Country on the route is very pleasantly situated and well watered.

Wednesday, April 26, 1865

We are again on the march at an early hour, forage is almost all gone and it becomes necessary to procure it from the surrounding Country. After crossing the Maherin river by ascending the stream five miles to a ford a party of 35 men was sent for forage under command of Major Cryer and after pillaging houses in a most ruthless manner we returned to the Regt.

Thursday, April 27, 1865

Camped near Boidtown last night and at 6 o'clock move forward in advance of the Division. As we pass through the town the people flock to the streets to hear our bands play and see the Yankee Cavalry pass.

Reach the Stanton river and cross it on ferry boats chained together. Encamp for the night about a mile from the river. Our forage is obtained from the country but orders are strict against pillaging houses.

Friday, April 28, 1865

This morning two parties were sent out for horses me in command of St. Simon's and the other in charge of D. C. H.

We all kept together until we had crossed the Dan river by ferrying ten horses at a time. After crossing the river we strike out for the North Carolina line taking all the horses that were formed in our line of march to the great displeasure of the people.

Saturday, April 29, 1865

Pass the night very pleasantly about 25 miles from the main column. Set out in quest of horses at an early hour and are very successful in hunting them in the woods where the people have hidden them. I take a nice Stallion and his groom from a mare by name of Sandas. After taking 12 horses and 4 mules and 6 negroes we commence our retreat to join the regt. Learn from a citizen that Johnson has surrendered and that our forces have been ordered back.

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