1862 July 28 Clarke County, Va.

[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]

Monday, July 28th
A bright beautiful morning.  Soon after breakfast Cortney Jones, Lucy Tidball and Maria Meade walked in.  They had been out blackberrying.  In the course of conversation Maria mentioned her maid Lucy told her that Cousin Bev was at  home and the Yankees said there were too many Rebels about here and they meant to arrest them.  Cousin Bev having asked Cousin Courtney yesterday evening if they heard of any Yankees to let him know, he wanted to go down immediately and tell him.  I insisted on sending George, writing a very unalarming note.  He went and returned quietly, having gone also to Uncle B to tell the warning to him.  We were seated on the grass when we heard horses feet coming rapidly from Prospect Hill. Soon little Bev hove in sight.  In frantic haste he rushed into the yard and demanded what the news was.  We told him the Alpha and Omega and off he tore, spreading terror wherever he appeared.  Uncle B soon came in to know the foundation of the alarm.  Scarcely was he satisfied when Cousin John came.  Poor Cousin Bev had to take to the woods and after all, no Yankees appeared.  So much for false alarms.  Now war news today.  Took tea at Prospect Hill.

MSS 9759