1862 May 25 Clarke County, Va.

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

Sunday, May 25

I must record the events of this blessed day, though contrary to custom,  We were roused by the deadly roar of cannons, apparently between this and Winchester.  Dr. H. went off with pistol and instruments.  Mr. Jones also went, so Uncle John officiated as parson. About the middle of the day we heard of the entire rout of Bank's army.  They seemed smitten by a sudden panic, hardly firing a shot.  The fight commenced at the toll gate at the juncture of this and the White Post roads.  They tried to set fire to the town.  Several of their fires were extinguished by the citizens. The 21st North Carolina Regt commanded by Col. Kirkland commenced the fight and suffered very much.  They were led by treachery into an ambush of the enemy behind a stone fence.  Tonight I heard a voice calling for Tom.  I ran out to the door thinking it was Fez but to my joy found my long absent brother Archie. He had gone nearly to Martinsburg in the pursuit of the cowardly Yankees and then returned, impatient to be at home once more.  the Yankees ran like greyhounds, throwing away their clothing as it became cumbrous.  Brother Archie picked up six silver teaspoons and some towels which they had stolen.  The trunks broken open by our soldiers were filled with silk dresses, china ornaments and all manner of bijouterie.  Our troops pursued them to Martinsburg where the Yankees drew up their artillery to cover the retreat of the main army.  Oh what joy to be free once more!

MSS  9759