Thursday, May 24, 2012

1862 May 24 Clarke County, Va.

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

The joyful day that saw the stampede of  Yankees followed by the conquering Confederates!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  There was a terrific battle yesterday at Front Royal between [ * ] Yankee Regiment and the [ * ] Virginians.  The first squad of fugitives that passed were pursued by only two of our men.  They were passing all day.  In the evening hearing some more were coming, we all ran out and saw two of the wretched cowards marching before old Uncle Frank Whiting and party.  The latter had taken them prisoners between the Vineyard and Clay Hill. We have heard loud and frequent firing this evening.  God preserve my precious brothers.  Life would be very dark without them.  Oh, that I could pray for them as I ought, for them and myself.

*  not known whether the diarist left the two blank spaces or the transcriber was unable to read what she wrote.

MSS 9759

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