1862 May 2 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Friday 2  rain and cheering sight- a
bright sun and genial day--Bought
for Mr Robertson 700$ gold for which
I had a promise of 82 50 gave, as he
requested, the money to Mary R. It is
intended for contingency which I
trust may not arise.  Jane Kean &
her sister Sarah--a very pleasing &
distinguished looking girl--dined with
us. Mr. Lee's brother, Charles, arrived
this morning from Richd, where he
has a clerkship--visited the lower hos-
pitals--sight very distressing and familiar
with which soon hardens the feeling
as I approached I saw them bringing[?]
a body to the dead house--I had seen
two funerals in the morning.  There are
1500 sick here now and preparations
making for 1000 more.--Langhorne, fairly
within half a square of our house
is now fitting for a hospital.  I dont
like the vicinity at all.

MSS 4763