1862 Aug 29 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Friday 29  Lewis & the girls did
not return until late--and the
reports they brought excited me so
that I could not sleep.  It was awake
at 2 when the porter called for
the baggage, and was aroused by
Lewis & Ben getting off at 5--so then
I was felt very exanimate all
day.--There were the same [?]
of rumors of successes, or our army--but
nothing to be implicitly relied on
I do not therefore record them ere
-Had a corner cupboard set in
at the head of the stair leading to
the dining room--which will be
a pleasant surprise to Mary, as
she has wanted it ever since we
have been in the house.  It is inten-
ded mainly for the bread, silver
& such things as are liable to be
affected by dampness--Dr. William
Minor & Ford--Betty B--Fanny
Cazenove, Chalres & his wife spent
the evening with us--a very pleasant
party--Charles related many inci
dents of interest which happened
during the campaign in Culpeper

Saturday 30  Board today took
from Mr Jetter some of his labor
and assigned it to the Discount clerk
--which is right, as he has but little
to do--Not a word by telegram of
news.  When the cars came in we
had first reports of a battle in
which we had whipped the enemy
at Bristow Station--and the capture
by Stuart of a Rail Road train
with 2000 men on it--Stores to an
immense amt destroyed. It is said
we are in rear of Pope--I wish it
all may prove true--but I have
little confidence now in any rumors.
We, that is Fanny & Mary I. dined
at my brothers with Dr. Williams
No letter from Mary, which is very
provoking--wrote to Mary Guthrie
& to Mary Robertson

MSS 4763

no more entries until Sunday the 14th.