1862 May 28 Lynchburg, Va.

[from the diary of William M. Blackford, former diplomat and bank officer, Lynchburg, Va., with five sons in the Confederate Army]

Wednesday 28  I slept but little last
night--rose at 4 and went with
Mary & her little ones to the Depot
where her father Mother, brothers
& sisters were to join her--a formi-
dable party, with enough baggage
to serve a regiment.  They all got
off safely.  When I got home I was
thoroughly exhausted and had to lie
down and take a short nap.   I can-
not take exercise before breakfast
with impunity--Felt much exhaus-
ted all day--very interesting let
ter last evening from Eugene.  He had
recovered his baggage & recd the sword
and things sent him by Wm.  We
hear of skirmishing near Richd
Why the great battle does not
come off cannot divine.  Called on
old Mrs Slaughter relict of Lane[?] Slaugh
ter of Westernview--It is perhaps
25 yrs since I saw her--of course time
has done its work.  She was glad to see
me.  I ever recd great hospitality at
her house


MSS 4763