1862 August 2 Lynchburg,Va.

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

Saturday 2  Hurried through the mor-
ning business, and went to the
church- The duties of chairman of
the [lined through] committee devolved up on
me & I gave such directives as were
necessary--An escort of three compa
-nies of the 42 N.C. Regt. had been
furnished by Col. Gibbs--the bodies
were placed in sper separate hearses
-The procession went up Church St to
S Pauls church & then turned to the
right & reached the Main St. It ex-
tended from this corner to the street
below the Newell House--more than
four squares.  Nothing approaching
it was ever seen here.  I did not
imagine so many carriages could be
produced--I had a seat with Mr
Edley in his barouche. Four of
the bodies were interred in the Pres
byterian burying ground, & then the
procession, with the remaining two
proceeded to the Spring Hill cemetery
It was altogether a solemn & impo
sing spectacle--All the places of  busi
ness were closed.  Every thing pas
-sed off very well.
     I had telegraphed at 8 to Gwatkins
to learn how Eugene was & whether
he wanted the servant sent down
-Did not get the answer until just
past 8.  He has fever still & sick
stomach and poor appetite-- The
mail brought letter from him
written by his cousin Mary, & also
one from her.  She does not think him
very sick.  He does not want us
to come down as he has every atten
tion possible.


MSS 4763