1862 March 6 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 6 The train due last evening from Charlottes-
ville did not arrive until 3 a m to day. on
reaching the bank found a letter from Sue
saying that Willy had the scarlet fever and
that there was no hope of his recovery. She
wants me to come over. This I would gladly
have done, had the train come on time. I deter-
mined however unless I heard of his death to
go in the morning by Richd. By 10 oclock how
ever a telegram from J.B. Minor announced
that the dear little fellow had died last
night. We were all much grieved. I dread
its effect upon Charles, and fear he may disre-
gard all other duties & hasten home
when he hears of the news. The telegram told me to
expect the body today--but there being no train
it will be impossible to bring it now. after
I had gone to bed, another dispatch say-
ing it would be buried at the University. Recd.
late in the evening letter from William saying
he would be here to day. We made prepar
ation for him but he did not come.

MSS 4763