An entry from the diary of John Thomas Boyer, a private under Colonel Newman, at the Battle of Camp Wildcat. Transcribed and shared courtesy of his great-great grandson, John Gardner.

October 21st. This morning, after having been on our feet all night marching only about twenty yards at a time and then standing for an hour, we find ourselves at daylight only about a mile from the enemy - whom Major Hogg says we will soon engage. The boys all seem to be eager for the prey. I never saw them in such a way in all my life. But I fear their ardor will be cooled when they get into it.

               It is now night, and I am seated by a fire made of rails thinking of the events of the day. I can hardly realize that I have been in a battle today. But when I look back to the morning, when many a good boy was with me and in the enjoyment of health and know that they have been left upon the field slain by the enemy, the awful truth rushes upon my mind with irreparable force.

The fight began about 9 o’clock. Col. Rains being in advance and our regiment in rear of him as a support. Col. Powell’s regiment was on our right, about 200 yards to the rear. And Col. Battle was formed upon the Backbone Ridge, as it was called. The order to move forward was given and we took up the line of march towards the enemy. We had not proceeded very far before the ball opened in good earnest on the right and was not long in getting to the left. The firing lasted for an hour and ten minutes when we were ordered to fall back. But our wing of the regiment did not get the order as soon as the others. And in consequence of this, we were exposed to the artillery of the enemy for some time. But we were soon ordered to take a position upon the hill above where we were stationed. Which was done just as Col. Rains was coming up to form up his regiment. We accordingly took up our position just behind him in column of companies. And here another fight took place which lasted an hour and a half, but nobody hurt on our side. Our General thought the distance too great to affect anything, so he ordered us off the field and came to this place about one mile from the field of action to camp.

               Some of the boys seem to think that we will renew the attack again in the morning. I am satisfied, for my own part, with the “little wars.” I saw the “Elephant” form the probiscis to the end of his symmetrical tail and am in nowise pleased with his appearance. How uneasy they will all be at home when they hear of this fight, until they hear something definite about it - this suspense is as unbearable as the dread of danger to the soldier.

               Many a heart will be made to leap for joy when relieved of the burden of anxiety which is resting upon them on account of a son, brother, or perhaps a sweetheart who was in the fight today. I wonder how Mollie Snipp will receive the news of my safety. I wish I could be the bearer of the glad intelligence. But on the other hand, when the news of the slain reaches the ears of the anxious ones, who are still in hopes for the best, what a pang must rend their hearts when the news of a son’s, brother’s, or father’s death reaches them.