1862 July 8 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Tuesday 8.  The hottest day of the season
thus far--Pretty closely engaged
at Bank. got on tolerably well
--no news from the army, except
that its confidently stated Jacksons
army is to return to the Valley
McClellan is safe on the James
River--reinforced & supplied with
provisions--I dont suppose it is
profitable to attack him--and I
confess I am not without appre
hension of his moving up the
other side of the River- [?] could
turn & land at city Point and
advance on the batteries at Drew
-rys lbu bluff--These taken, Rich
mond could be shelled

MSS 4763