1862 May 22 3 miles from Luray, Page, Co. Va.

[letter of Lancelot Minor Blackford to his mother begun on May 18 continues]

[page 3]

Thursday Evening May 22/62  Bivouack 3 miles below Luray, Page co., Va. -- (By fire light)
The first sheet was written Sunday and I could not finish the letter
I proposed writing, so I kept it day after to day in the hope of doint
so.  We have been marching constantly since, and are likely to go on so
for a month to come for aught I see to the contrary, so I have de-
termined to close up the letter and give over writing a detailed
account of our marches since Sunday 11th, as I hoped to do.  we have
now been marching 23 days successively, with but 3 days rest
out of that number and are about as nearly broken down as
men well can be to get along at all.  An order has just
come to cook 3 days rations and rise at 2 1/2 a.m. to morrow
to continue the march. This caps the climax, and we are
really disconsolate.  We have all of Ewell's force with us
now - ahead - and in all a force perhaps of 25000 men, in
this army, all of which seems pressing on toward Front Royal
The forces are along the road within 10 or 15 miles of each other,
marching and camping by Brigade.  Elzey's Brigade, including the
1st. Md., left t his vicinity this morning. Ran McKim I heard of as being
well and hearty.  We went up as far as Franklin the county seat

[page 4]
of Pendleton, about 60 miles N.W. of Staunton, and then back through Jen
nings Gap via Augusta Springs, Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, New Market, &
Luray to this point  We have met the most gratifying indica
tions of welcome ever since re-entering the valley--indeed our
march has been a sort of triumphal procession; flags have been
exhibited, handkerchiefs waved, flowers bestowed and refreshments
furnished in the most kindly manner. This was particularly
noteworthy in Harrisonburg indeed everywhere the loyalty
and devotion of the people to the cause seems much enhanced
by the late presence of the enemy, who though abstaining
from their grossest outrages perhaps were sufficiently obnox-
ious to be heartily hated, of course.  Berkeley is very well
and sends his love.  His brother Charles has spent the last 24  hours with us
and is well too.   His regt. is not distant from this brigade, and is now
probably about Front Royal.  No body knows of course what is going to
be done though we are looking confidently for a battle very shortly.
Remember me accordingly in your prayers.  I could write you 20 pages if
I had the time, but I have not.  My love to all.  I passed in sight of Isabella
Furnace to day but much to my regret could not stop to visit the place
 Your affectionate son--
L. M. Blackford

Lancelot Minor Blackford of the Rockbridge Artillery


MSS 4763