1862 May 23 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper editor and civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Friday night, May 23, 1862.

This morning I learned that a dispatch had come, stating 

that the Federal army would probably have possession of the 

Central R.R. near Richmond, and it was doubtful if there 

would be a train up this evening. The train that went down 

this morning returned late in the evening from Gordonsville — 

I have no information as to the state of affairs. Several 

Federal soldiers, captured down the Valley this morning, arrived 

this evening by stage coach. They say it was reported in their 

camp that Beauregard had gained a great victory at Cor-

inth. Very doubtful.  

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project[

MSS 38-258