1862 April 11 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Friday 11 Clear and cool. rumors of a
third fight at or near corinth. I
believe, however, there is no ground
for them. We are only receiving fresh
particulars of the second days (Monday's)
fight--Bombardment of Pulaski con-
tinues--It must fall. No isolated
fort can stand a concentrated fire of
heavy guns--Mary J. & Mary R. went
to charles. The former recd a telegram
from William, dated this morning at
Louisa C.H. saying he was ordered to
Richd and would reach there Satur
-day Eve & that leaving the children be-
hind she must meet him: It would
seem from this that the regiment was
on its way to the Peninsula--News
that the Merrimac had captured three
brigs & a schooner, without firing a
shot in Hampton Roads, They were
laden with supplies for the army &
were brought into Norfolk. The Mo
-nitor was under the guns of Fortress
Monroe and did not come out. We
may daily expect a fight. I have great
confidence in the ability of the Merri
-mac to whip the Monitor. The tracking
of the latter's revolving tower is too
complicated. It can too easily be thrown
out of order, and jammed--her guns
are useless. Went to Sue's in the
afternoon. She is going to take some
boarders.

MSS 4763