1862 July 31 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Thursday 31 Heavy rain story about day
light--rained slightly nearly all
day--Dispatch dated yesterday from
Gwatkins--Eugene still sick with
fever and disordered bowls--afterwards
another telegram of today, saying
he was much as he was yesterday ex
cept that the bowel complaint
had been checked & sent Pleas out
to Flat Creek on Eugenes horse to carry
a telegram from Richd Davis.  If
he is not wanted by Eugene I should
send him back until E is ready
to take the field--Letter from Mr.
Gwatkin repeating his telegram I
think Mary or myself will have
to go down--very hard doing work
Called in the evening to see  Tom [Miller?]
who is doing well

MSS 4763