1862 April 15 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Tuesday 15 April showers during the day
Still no startling news. We must ex
pect reports of a great battles at corinth
and on the Peninsula, every day. They
cannot be delayed longer than this
week. If the enemy are soundly thrash
-ed, it will lead to peace, I think
God grant it. Johnson has taken
command at Yorktown I am glad
of it. Magruder was not or is not ra-
ther competent to such a command
He wants brains---He was long very in-
temperant, but quit drinking after
Bethel. It is said now he uses opium.
I wish Lee were on the Peninsula
The details of the Shiloh fight
make it more & more decisively a great
victory on our side. We shall beat
them there again. Called on Mrs
Gen Stuart--& most pleased with
her. I the evening went with Mary
to call on her. We took her to the
evening service at Church, and invi
ted her to spend tomorrow with us,
which she promised to do. Long &
interesting letter from Lanty--He says
Sandy Pendleton, A. A. General, told
him official returns show our loss
to have been at Kernstown 689 in
killed wounded & prisoners. Phil
Williams & David Barton both guess
the enemys loss at 1300--Recd from
Lewis a very handsome drawing by
hi of the "Merrimac" she is certainly
and odd looking craft.

MSS 4765