1862 March 24 Staunton, Va.

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

Monday night, March 24, 1862.



Various rumors to-day, scarcely worth mentioning. —
One said that 40,000 troops raised by Lincoln in Maryland
had rebelled, and then that the whole Federal army East and
West of the Blue Ridge, had retired across the Potomac —
probably on account of the Maryland "rebellion." No news
by the papers. For several days past the cars have come in
quite early in the afternoon. Brown sugar is now retailing
at 33 1/3 cents per pound — two shillings. I bought a barrel
in Richmond when there, at 13 1/2 c, I believe it was, I cannot
enjoy the possession of it, for thinking of other persons who
must do without any. Salt is not to be had at any price —
Wood is extremely difficult to get. After burning up all of
his bean poles, Mr. Baker had to cut down a shade tree
to-day, for fuel. We were fortunate enough to get three
loads last week, one of them very small. Supplies are
again going out to the army on Allegheny mountain.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258