1862 February 3 [Lynchburg, Va.]

[From the diary of William M. Blackford, former diplomat, newspaper editor and postmaster at Lynchburg, Va, with 5 sons in the Confederate army]

Snow--It fell during the day to the depth
of 4 inches but became a slush--closely con-
fined all day at Bank & at last got up
my work. when every days work fills up the
allotted time, it is hard to make up leeway. I
recd a letter from Lewis directed to his mother
which gives an account of his courting a
young lady--she asked for time--he required
an immediate answer and she said "No"--apparently
to his relief--What a fellow he is, to think
of marrying a girl, as poor as himself, so he
says in times like these--He sent us also
a letter from Dr J.M. Minor to his sister, dated
21 January. He has recd a letter which Charles
wrote to him and sent to Leesburg, informing
him of the death of his brother.

MSS 4763