Wednesday, June 27, 2012

1862 June 27 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Friday 27  The great battle has begun
It opens auspiciously for our cause
The enemy are routed on their right
wing--driven back for miles--all
their batteries carried.  Every thought
so far as heard from favorable--but
it is too soon perhaps to crow. We
are not yet out of the woods--Went
down to meet Lanty who informed me
on the back of a letter that he wd
arrive this evening.  Missed him at
the Depot.  Saw two cars follow
with 76 prisoners- mostly wounded badly.
They were left by Fremont at Harrison-
burg on his retreat coming home
found Lanty had brought Mary
Jane with him who has grown
much and slenderer since I saw her
Lanty looks thin & not wel.  He as
ked permission to invite for  to supper
Mr. Gildersleeve Greek prof of the University
and three young gentleman of the 1st
Maryland Regt.  Their names were
Williamson, Murray, & Laird--all
gentleman born & bred, and distinguished
for polish of manners & high intelligence.
Williamson is a man of fortune--was edu-
cated in Europe & has [fine?] [talent?]
Muray is the son cousin of the gallant
Lt Murray who distinguished himself
some years ago on board the San Francis
co at the time of her wreck.  In what
other servie could you find four such
young men as these & Lanty ser-
ving in the ranks.  I am struck with
the young men from Maryland.  They
beat ours in manners & dignity of
character--How very inferior seems
Gildersleeve to this youn man William
son--They had been in the same Univer
sities in Germany though not at the
same time.  They staid until near 11
and made themselve very agreeable
--went down street to hear the news
but [?] at nothing.  Ben retu
-ned & staid all night with Lanty.

MSS 4763







No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.