1862 April 24 Staunton, Va.

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

Thursday night, April 24, 1862.

Yesterday morning, upon going down street, I found 

another excitement in town. During the night, an or-

der had come from Gen. Johnson to remove the sick re-

maining in the Hospital, +c. +c. Some 200 sick soldiers 

were accordingly sent off in the morning train — ladies

 who wished to go could not get aboard, or had to leave the

car after taking their seats. I went after Legh to see him a-

bout bringing his family to Alick's — met him coming to 

town, but he returned home and in the afternoon Bell +c 

+c arrived. Alick wrote to Gen. Johnson for instructions 

as to a few sick men who could not be moved — whether 

it was his duty to remain with them +c +c. He received 

a verbal reply to send off no more sick till further 

orders. A similar order was given to the Quartermasters 

in town. Blackley was at Johnson's camp, at West 

View, and told me when he returned, that upon re-

ceiving a message from Jackson, Johnson issued a 

circular to stop all preparations for departure. What 

it all meant was a profound mystery. The Richmond 

train arrived about dark, and the passengers reported that 

Ewell's division had gone from Gordonsville to re-inforce 

Jackson. Judge Thompson first communicated it to me 

as "good news." I doubt its truth and Mr. Farich, who 

came from Charlottesville, insisted that the greater part 

of Ewell's command had been ordered to the Junction 

in Hanover Co. — where it was thought the great battle 

would be fought, and not at Yorktown. The enemy, it is 

thought, have abandoned their intention to attack us at 

Yorktown, and are concentrating at Fredericksburg. Other 

persons gave the same account to-day of Ewell's move-

ment as first reported last night. This morning I began to 

hesitate about leaving home, and have pretty well deci-

ded now not to go. The day passed off stafty  slowly, 

every body feeling much solicitude and suspense. Many 

rumors were current as to the movements of the enemy quite 

near town. Yesterday it was reported that fighting was going 

on at Buffalo Gap, firing having been heard — our men 

were merely discharging their guns. The enemy, however, have 

come as far as the top of North Mountain, and captured 

one or two of our pickets or videtts. They have appeared 

also at Jenning's Gap, and caught two of our cavalry, one 

of whom escaped afterwards with the loss of his horse. Ru-

mors of their appearance at Mt. Crawford and Bridgewater 

in considerable force, are not credited. The bridges ac-

ross North River, at those places, have been burnt. — 

This evening John M^cD. Alexander arrived from Jack-

son's camp, (at Swift Run Gap, Rockingham) via 

Gordonsville. He confirms the report of Ewell's having 

gone in the direction of Jackson's position. He is 

is [sic] staying with us to night. Bell, Mrs. Hill and the 

children with us also — came up yesterday evening. John 

Graham, of Lexington, was here night before last. I re-

ceived a letter from Tate at Richmond, this evening. He 

reports that the feeling in Richmond is hopeful. Things 

have appeared blue to us here. Kate writes that when she 

arrived at Christiansburg, Sister was suffering great anx-

iety, having just heard that the enemy were nine miles 

from Staunton. Raining + snowing nearly all day. 

Raining still. 

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258