1862 April 22 Lynchburg, Va.

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

<u>Tuesday</u>  22--It seems pretty certain that
McDowell has reached Fre[dericksbur]g  with
some 35,000 men with which an
"On to Richmond" move will doubtless
be made. It may be McClellans
move is but the feint--[Enemy?] has
reached Gordonsville and it is said
is going in the Hanover Junction.
At 4 repaired to the Spring Hill Cemetery
to witness the reinterment of Charlies
children in the lot which he has
bought.  the bodies were brought over
last Saturday by Diuguid--It was a
melancholy duty. The state of the coun
try and the prospect before us seemed
to lessen the sorrow--there seemed
to be a mercy in their being cut off
before the evil days had come--At
night went to Sue's--she is ignorant
of the removal and reinterment
of the remains of her children--Took
supper there and then went to
Ned Christians to call on Dr. Greens
wife & daughter--I had not seen
the former since she was a girl of
ten or twelve.  She was then beautiful
--She has no trace of her beauty now.
Nor is she, or her daughter, very
engaging in manner. Staid till
near 10.  My heart is very sore and
my forebodings of the future very
gloomy.  My presentiment that Eugene
is to fall strengthen daily--I have
not the same feeling with regard
to either of the others.

MSS 4763