1862 March 18, 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.


Thursday 18. Fine day--very mild. No answer yet
from Herndon about the house. As another
person wants it, agreed if no dispatch came
by 12, he should have it--None came and
at that hour I telegraphed Herndon [?]
Mrs Kean telegraphed that she wanted the
house herself. I mean her own house--I presume
tho falling back of the army has induced
her fathers family to think of coming here.
Letter from Garlick--he had not got his box of
clothes. Mr. Lamar[?] writes that the order from
James Moncure for the dividends was not paid
-the stock having been sequestered. He advi
-ses rent to be brought by next of kin= --Letter
from Lanty. He reached Staunton Friday night
and would go on next day to join his company
at Strasburg. Much relieved about him.
Letter also from Cousin Betty--written the day
little Lucy L. died. Every thing in the aspect
of ours appears dark & gloomy--Heard that
Benjamin had been made Secty State--and
Gen. Geo. W. Randolph Secy War and Watts
of Alabama of whom I never heard before, Secy
Attorney Gen.--the rest of the cabinet the
same. Randolph is a man of good sense
and talents, but of no experience in poli
tical life--qu? is not this an advantage.
The cabinet has no claims on the confidence
of the country. It is the emblem of medio
-crity. Davis seems determined to have no man
of talents about him. I almost despair of the
cause.
MSS 4763