Next day we crossed the river and went into camp in the edge of town. Military Institute, which is located here, was destroyed. On the 13th we still remained in camp. Some canal-boats were captured with artillery and ammunition which were destroyed. Next morning we were early on the move again, and although it was extremely warm and dusty, we succeeded in making a distance of twenty-four miles to Buckannon. We passed within two miles of the natural bridge, but there was no time for hunting curiosities. Our march was along an old plank-road. The Rebels had endeavored to destroy many small bridges, and thus obstruct our progress; but we were so close on them, they succeeded in doing but little damage, until we reached Buckannon, where we found the bridge over the James River in ruins, and we were compelled to cross in canal barges. Two companies of the regiment were guarding prisoners, under command of Lieutenants Leonard and Keyes. Our “hard-tack” was all gone, and flour getting scarce, but fresh beef and mutton still plenty. The next day we were on the road about 9 A. M., and went to the edge of town, where we laid until after dinner, when we again started in the direction of Lynchburg. We crossed Otter Peak, a very high mountain, with a very narrow, rough road over it. In many places our way was obstructed by trees that had been felled across; undoubtedly done by Bushwhackers, for in one place there lay the dead body of one, who had been caught in the act and slain by our advance. We went into camp, for the night, at 9 o’clock, about halfway down the mountain. The following morning we started at 5 o’clock, marched through Liberty to a point five miles beyond where we went into camp. While halting in the town, several men of the “5th Heavies” were pillaging a large dwelling house—in which the family were still residing—of pictures, books, and other articles that could be of no use to them. A squad of men from company A, were sent into the house with orders to clean them out at the point of the bayonet, which was promptly done. The 123d was all on picket again at night.