862 May 5 near Millwood, Va.

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

We were particularly cast down today.  All seemed dark.  Vague rumors of defeat at every point filled our hearts with horror.  Cousin Mary, Lizzie, Mary and myself walked over to the Hall.  The circle there was as gloomy as ourselves.  We returned through Millwood and endeavored to extract some comfort from Mr. Clarke.He only added to the depression by the information Yorktown had fallen.
We did not believe it, but the report even was dreadful.  "At evening time it shall be light." How often in these dark days are we reminded of that blessed promise, and so it happened tonight after a day of gloomy foreboding.  My precious brother's sudden appearance assured us of the safety of our loved ones.  He spoke hopefully of our cause.  We had felt so cut off, so inapproachable.  We stayed onl a few hours then left, hoping to cross the river by daylight.

MSS 9759