1862 May 19 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Monday 19.  Morning threatening rain
Mary I. had intended to go in the boat
to Bethel, where, if the weather was
good, it was arranged Lancelot Minor
was to send for her & Rose--We thought
it too likely to rain for her to go--But
she went with me to the Boat for the
purpose of mailing a letter--Found the
packet had gone & that Rose was on
board --The day proved a fine one
Various rumors--one that Cox's forces
had been taken in Giles County --another
that the enemy were advancing on
Richmond--not much [?] to be [?]
[?] on eifher--Charles and Dr. Houston
dined with us--Charles looks badly
and like William many years older
than before the war commenced--He has
seen a great deal of action & hard ser-
vice --very unwell all day--For the
first time feel that my cold has un-
dermined my strength.  Mary Gwathmey
who came up Saturday called at
night. She returns to Richd.

MSS 4763