1862 February 17 [Staunton, Va.]

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, civilian clerk in the Quartermaster Dept., Staunton, Va.]

Monday night, Feb. 17, 1862

Our rejoicing was soon over. This morning
it was rumored that the telegraph operator at
Gordonsville had sent word that the enemy had defea-
ted us at Fort Donelson and taken Nashville! Although
not credited, it set us to thinking that the Federalists
had greatly the advantage in numbers in the neig-
hborhood of the battle field; and in the means of bring-
ing up reinforcements; and therefore that the battle
of Saturday was probably not decisive and final.
The cars brought us precisely this intelligence. The
Federalists had been were reinforced Saturday night, and
our army also, it is said. Gen. Johnson had aban-
doned Bowling Green, and it is evident that, not-
withstanding the fighting on Thursday, Friday and Sat-
urday, the great battle in that region had not taken
place. Dispatches received at Richmond yesterday
were by the authorities were not made public in time
for the cars, and we can hear nothing by telegraph. —
So we are in a state of anxious suspense. The course
of the enemy down the Valley is threatening. Dont
know what they propose. Kate contemplated going to
Richmond, to the inauguration, which is to take
place next Saturday, but the sombre views of last
week caused her to discontinue her preparations. —
This morning she began again, feeling cheerful on
account of yesterday's intelligence; it depends upon
circumstances what she will do to-morrow.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow]


MSS 38-258