1862 August 12 "Clifton," Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

This is the 5th Anniversary of our wedding
day--Oh! what changes--------We have
both learned many things & I hope that we have
both chosen the good part, which nothing
will take from us... What short sighted
mortals we are--It was  one of the least of
our calculations that we would spend all of
our time together--share every joy & every sorrow, with
one another. & now we are far, far apart- &
though the same spirit actuates us, we spend days
& weeks without knowing the other is even alive--
sometimes I feel that I can not bear it--I must
go where you are.--I must see you, I must hear
you talk.  But this is an impotent feeling.  I
am, as it were, chained to this spot--In the
first place, to go myself, would be impossible, as all
communication is cut off-in the second place--I
have the interest of three children to consider, &
I know that to stay where I am is best= I
most be patient--But believe me, though my
poor weak assistance is impossible--I remember
you, at that throne-to which we are commanded
to bring all of our troubles, & pray unceasingly that
God will be near you, comfort, help, & relieve
you and from all dangers--& bring you back to
me----
Mr. & Mrs Thompson, & Lucy called this evening--
Pa fears that Jackson has been whiped.  I think
                              papers even
not--as the Yankees ^ claim no decisive victory