Tuesday, June 12, 2012

1862 June 12, Lynchburg, Va.



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

Thursday 12  Fine day--Had negative assu-
rances that Lanty & Berkeley were
not hurt in the actions of Sunday

and Monday. Heard with deep re-
gret that John Didlake--Lt in the
6 Louisiana was killed  Monday.  The
news is brought by Col. Hays of that
Regt. who was wounded and is now
here.  He had many fine traits of char
acter. No mail yesterday or today.
Everything gives way to the transpor
tation of troops. great numbers passed
last night & to day on their way to
join Jackson.  Ten thousand in all
are on the rail bound to him. These
troops are principally from Georgia
--are not raw, but were drilled and
armed.  Jackson stands in great
need of troops .  Has situation I think
critical at Browns Gap.  He showed
great generalship Sunday & Monday
and the defeat of Shields on the last
day was complete--very bad head
ache.  Went after dinner to the
[?] bridge with Mr. Kinckle &
Capt Page of the 21 Regt to see the
prisoners.  The captain being of the
guard we entered the lines.  They
were bivouacking on the hill to the
right of the road, between the fair
grounds & the river--1700 of them--

They are on the whole good looking
-but very rough--I did not see a
face which indicated the owner to
be in the better walk of life--were
of course not any gentlemen. One of
the number told us he was sure
two thirds were foreigners.  They
were roughly clad--a blue  [?]
or rather [?]--  The guard consisted
of about 400 men under Lt. Col
Cunningham--After tea Jno Maury
Forbes & his wife called to see us.
They are on their way to visit
Dr. Harris in Bedford.  He is now
staying in Charlottesville--I learn
that Gen Stewart, of the Maryland
Brigade, wounded Monday is with
his father at Staige's house--He
is nephew of Dr. Stewart-

MSS 4763 

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