1862 August 17 "Clifton," Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Sunday, August 17, 1862

Jacque took a long nap & I enjoyed reading
very much--Read an excellent sermon
from Laurin.

[possibly Sermons and essays by the late Rev. John M'Laurin]

Pa went to Mr Blackburns
They have heard from our side & confirmed
my belief that Jackson was victorious
--I am truly grateful, but indeed
our cause seems on the decline--I see
not how we will succeed--the North
is putting out all of her energies to
raise another large army 600,000-
how can we contend against
such a force--When we are so crippled
here for provisions.  Nothing being
cultivated, our servants, our [?]
tillers of the land all leaving us, & our
men gone to fight--what are we to live
on? --How can we hold out? are questions
I often ask myself= But if we are
right God I know will save us- & I
I[sic] think we are, but surely we have
[both?] been wicked.  Yes, we have a
wicked nation & have many sins to
answer for

[as transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor]

MSS 15406