1862 May 21 Clarke County, Va.

[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]

Wednesday, May 21st

McClellan says he is at a standstill.  The Confederates are too strong for him.
Since his repulse on the James his road to Richmoond does not seem so straight
and easy.  The Chickahomny is not very fordable; therefore, the only way leads
through forests tangled and marshy, swamps many miles in extent.  The London
Times thinks it is very easy to conquer when its Secretary of War has only to
take his pen in hand and conquer by sea and land. We had a very pleasant prayer
meeting at Cousin James's  It is reported that we again have possession of
Frredericksburg.

MSS 9759