1862 March 17 Lynchburg,Va.

[From the diary of William M. Blackford, former diplomat, bank officer, and editor, of Lynchburg, Va., with five sons in the Confederate Army.]

Monday 17 Bright mild day. Learned
from letter of the Teller that the cashier of the
F.B. Winchester, my old friend Sherman[?], had
gone with the effects of the Bank to Farmville
as had also Mr. Brent with the effects of
Bani of Valley. It strikes me as a curious
place of refuge. This would certainly have
been a better spot. I wrote to Sherman[?] as
-king him to visit me. It reminded me
of the possibility of our being forced to remove.
I am oposed to it. I think the best plan
would be to secrete the gold and other
valuables and stand our ground. Wrote to Sue
sending letter by way of Scottsville. Sent a
telegram to Jno. M. Herndon telling him
of Deanes' house and asking an immediate
answer. none came, however. Another family
stands ready to take the house. Mary R. recd
a letter from William, postmarked Richd and
dated 13' at Culpeper C.H. He had not yet
heard of his company. Charles was at Warrenton
the 9' Inst. No mails are allowed--nothing
from Lanty yet. Despatches say the Federals
wee advancing on Knoxville. At night
went to call on Mrs Clayton & Mrs. Stephen
whom I have not seen since their return.

MSS 4763