1862 June 23 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Monday night, June 23, 1862

The town perfectly quiet yesterday and to- day — 

We have been cut off from intelligence, and there 

has scarcely been a rumor — nothing in the least excit-

ing. According to report, Jackson's army was, when 

last heard from, at Beaver Dam Depot, Hanover Co. 

If so, the object must be to assail M^cClelland in the 

rear. The Railroad cars are undoubtedly used for ar-

my transportation, or we should have had a train up. 

Mails from Lexington and Harrisonburg, only: — 

It is rumored that Fremont's army is guarding the 

passes of the Blue Ridge, near Front Royal and 

other fronts, anticipating Jackson's advance in that 

quarter. Frazier remained till yesterday afternoon. — 

               of Lexington

John Barclay ^ came up and remained till church 

time — Also James M^cClung. For some days past 

I have employed my spare moments in working 

around my grape vines. This evening I removed the 

hard and poor soil from a young vine (next the 

row of raspberry vines) and put in manure.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258