1862 March 22 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former owner and editor of the Staunton
Spectator]

Saturday night, March 22, 1862.



Persons who arrived from Jackson's army this afternoon,
report that the Federalists have gone back from Wood-
stock, and that Jackson, reinforced by 6000 men from
Johnson's command East of the mountain, had started in
pursuit. There is some doubt as to the reported reinforce-
ment; but none as to the other. There has been a ru-
mor for several days that an outbreak had occurred in
Maryland, which had caused a backward movement of
Federal troops — not credited. It is asserted also that
a Maryland regiment in the Federal army had refused
to cross the Potomac, till they were forced over. No news
of interest in the Richmond papers. Our magnificent vic-
tory in Arkansas has been whittled down to a point. Frank
Preston returned last night with John Alexander, and they
spent the night with us. Va gave them an early break-
fast this morning. A petition was circulating to-day, ask-
ing for martial law in Staunton. I oppose it.

While at Legh's yesterday, and on the road, I could but ob-
serve the quiet aspect of the country. The cattle in the
barn-yard and the sheep in the field and all nature
seemed perfectly composed. Oh if the rage of man could
be lulled to rest! Returning home I met a man and
asked him the latest news — "Nothing special," he replied,
"not many getting off, but I did." The ruling thought with
him was in reference to the Board of exemption from
military duty. The upper regiment from Rockbridge
passed through to-day, John Graham, John Barclay &c
with them. I had a talk with Moses to-day about the
state of affairs.

MSS 38-258