1862 April 15 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept]


Tuesday night, April 15, 1862.



There is every reason to expect a great battle at York-
town at an early day. We have expected to hear of it every
day for a week or more. The enemy are said to have
100,000 men there, and we 75,000. Upon the result depends
 the fortunes of the State.<del>depend</del> It is evident also that
Gen. Jackson is about to make some important move-
ment. He sent up last night for ambulances, and the
 sick at Harrisonburg are to be rumoved. The general be-
lief is that Jackson, if worsted in another battle, or pressed
by overwhelming numbers, will retire to Waynesborough,
which can be defended — Staunton cannot. Then, upon
the further advance of the enemy up the Valley, Johnson
 must come back from the Shenandoah mountain,
and unite with Jackson at Waynesboro. These events
may occur in the next week. I have had another talk
with Va as to what we shall do. She will not leave
her mother, but wants me to go. I am at a loss, as
is almost every one else — Only a small portion of
the population, however, can leave home. The intelli-
gence from Corinth is rather confused, but all ac-
counts agree in stating that we gained a considerable suc-
cess at Shiloh, on Sunday, the 6th.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258