I am compiling descriptions of towns and villages through which the eastern armies passed in summer 1863, as taken from the diaries and letters of soldiers. Their recollections contain detail on population numbers, sentiments of the local populace, existing structures such as hotels, churches and houses, etc., road conditions and crops, which provide a valuable snapshot of the region. Here is one example from a Federal artilleryman: "The 23d of July found us in Warrenton, making the fourth time we have visited that place during the war. Poor Warrenton! Once one of the prettiest and most attractive towns in Virginia, marked by the wealth, intelligence and refinement of its people, and by the blessings of peace. Now, its beauty is despoiled, its male citizens, with few exceptions, are or were in the Confederate army, for very many of them have been killed fighting for the rebel cause; and indeed there is scarcely a house that does not mourn the loss of a husband, father, or brother. Nearly ever lady is dressed in mourning, and probably no village or town in Virginia has suffered more in the depletion of its population and waste and desolation of property and homes by the rebellion, than Warrenton. Is has been occupied, ever since the war began, first by one army and then by the other, neither trying to hold possession of it, but evacuating it as one or the other army approached it in any force. It is sort of a half-way station for the Federal, and Rebel troops as they come and go north or south. We went into position at Warrenton, our guns pointing toward Sulphur Springs, but we saw no signs of the enemy."