1862 July 26 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Saturday 26  Discount day--nothing
of any note--rather laborious
duty during the day --no rumors
from any quarter.  at sundown
had a dispatch from Robertson
stating that Mary was on the cars
went to the depot to meet her--found
she had left all her children-and
was on route to Richd on a brief vi-
sit to her husband  Ben[?] had joined
ed her at Liberty--Fanny Minor
had spent the day with us.  Wm
has been engaged in some hazar
dous observation of the Enemys
position--From the top of a tree he
made a map of McClellans posi
tion--Charles too has been entrusted
with an important scout & [?]
[?]  Fdg--and established a
communication with friends in the
town by means of market people
This  an honorable but dangerous
duty.  Gen Jackson was so much
pleased with his information that
he ordered him back--Charles has
knowledge of all the roads in that
quarter--I should not be surprised
to hear of his being taken prisoner.

MSS 4763