Thursday, September 15, 2011

1861 September 15

[From the diary of Eugene M. Cox of the Albemarle Border Guards]

9 A.M. Have had heavy rain this morning--holds up a little now and the sun comes out -- but the clouds hovering about the mountains betoken more rain--all the stragglers have gotten up with the company--prepared and partook of a very good breakfast and feel much better--The road is now in dreadful plight--almost impassable. 4 P.M. We were not put on the march to-day--the writer of these notes feels exceedingly sorry and humiliated to acknowledge that many of the soldiers regard not the sanctity of the Sabbath Day--spend their time at cards for money--the demoralizing influence of army life is truly appalling--vice takes the place of virtue--war sets virtue back many degrees--there can be no greater curse upon a nation, or society--

MSS 38-221

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