Tuesday, June 26, 2012

1862 June 27 Staunton, Va.

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


Friday, June 27, 1862.
I was informed last night that Jackson's army 
was at Ashland, in Hanover Co., Legh came in 
this morning — says he heard heavy cannonading 
last evening. Many other persons speak of having 
heard it yesterday and this morning. (Jimmy Tate 
went home Wednesday + Nannie + Mattie yesterday.)
Friday afternoon. — Dispatches received by the tele-
graph operator here say that a battle began yes-
ter about noon at Richmond, and continued till
dark. At first the enemy obtained some success, but 
at the close we had the advantage. The battle was 
renewed this morning, and was raging all along the 
line at the last account. At least one hundred 
thousand men are arrayed on each side — what 
multitudes are now passing into eternity, and how 
many more are writhing this moment writhing in 
pain on the bloody ground! I have acquain-
tances, friends and relatives there, and yet I do 
not feel the awful solicitude which in for-
mer times I would have anticipated. May God 
in mercy spare the shedding of blood, and give 
us the victory!
6 o'clock P.M.— Four or five dispatches have 
just come from Richmond, — all concur in 
stating that the enemy have been driven back at 
all points, and our reports that they are in 
flight. Our loss very heavy. God grant to make 
the victory decisive, and give our people grace 
to praise him for it. The cannonading was 
certainly heard in this neighborhood

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

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