1862 April 19 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Saturday 19
Went at 1/2 past 6 with young Rutledge to the Orange Depot to see him off.
He returns to his company, the Rockbridge Ar
tillery, though far from being well. Heard
at the Depot of the occupation by the
enemy of Fredericksburg, and
that Gen.Jackson was falling back.
I returned much depressed without ap-
petite for breakfast--Later in the day
met a young man who told me h3e
left Jackson's camp at Mt Airy Thurs
3. p. m. and that they had there no idea
of retreating. this seems later than any
other news. When the Orange train how
ever came in the morning reports seemed
to be confirmed. I dont know what to
say--the train brought 240 sick from
Staunton--We are to have a great many
here--they want the hospitals in Richd
to accommodate the wounded and in
tend the sick here.--there are about
a dozen Doctors here--Frank Smith
& his wife came last night looking
out a house to rent or buy--Went
at 1/2 past 10 to the funeral of Miss
Walden, daughter of Wm Walden[?]
an old acquaintance of mine from
Woodville, Rappahannock, & who came
as a refugee here a fortnight since
There was a good attendance and much
sympathy expressed. she makes the
fourth child they have lost and the
third since November--Letter from
Charles. Mary R. has an extract
from a late report of Gen Stuart
in which Wm. is spoken of in com
plimentary terms as "brave, efficient
and intelligent"--Went over to Sue's
about dusk & took supper. She
will have 7 boarders which I think
is going too far. No news from the
Peninsula. A general fight expected
every day & hour.

MSS 4763