1862 April 18 Staunton, Va.

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

Monday night, April 28, 1862.

Another bright and beautiful spring day, but the com-

munity very much depressed again. This morning we

heard that New Orleans had certainly been taken by the ene-

my. The last report, by telegraph, is, that the fate of the 

city is undecided or uncertain. Woodson, of Harrisonburg, 

 came up this evening. He reports that 5000 or more Fed-

eral troops are at that place, helping themselves to whatever 

they want — horses, provisions +c. Conflicting reports as to 

Jackson's and Ewell's movements. Nothing new as to John-

son's command. Seven prisoners taken near Williams-

ville, (as I mentioned last night) were brought in the even-

ing, and put in jail. The officer in charge of them addressed 

them with more sternness than I should have done. I could 

not treat a fallen foe with harshness. Two more prisoners 

were left at the Rockbridge Alum, wounded. Those I saw 

looked rather sickly and forlorn, and excited a feeling of 

pity, enemies as they are. William M^cClung, of Highland, 

was arrested to- day, because he came through with a pass 

from a Federal Officer, which stated that he had taken

the oath of allegiance. His business was to take back cattle 

which belong to him. He did not take the oath of allegiance.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258