FROM THE DIARY OF CORPORAL CHARLES SMEDLEY, Of Company G, 90th Regiment Penn'a Volunteers , COMMENCING A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE "BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS," IN WHICH HE WAS TAKEN PRISONER, IN THE EVENING OF FIFTH MONTH FIFTH, 1864: ALSO, A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE MARCH TO AND BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, TOGETHER WITH A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR. —— "If it is never to be my lot to return to you, remember me only as one who went to do his duty."— C. Smedley. Letter to parents, dated 8th mo. 14th, 1

The following pages contain a plain, unvarnished statement of facts that occurred under the notice of one who was so unfortunate as to be taken prisoner by those who sought to destroy and dissever our glorious country. As will be perceived, it is written with great care, hence its reliability. It was thought best to print the author's diary, just as it was received, without any amplification, save that absolutely necessary for the press. To the reader we will say that Dr. Buckley was one of our

On the march into Maryland, 5th day, 6th mo. 25th, 1863 , were called in from picket about nine o'clock; went to the old camp, and joined, or followed the division, which has been on the march for some time. Should have remained on picket, as the column passed the right of the picket line. Followed the road to Edward's Ferry, where we crossed on one of the pontoons; went on, and passed through Poolsville, and then on to Barnesville, where we encamped in a clump of thick, low pines, on the north