1862 August 21 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Thursday 21--Nothing of any particular
interest. not a rumor of any kind
afloat--Went over to Sue's --while
 there she recd letter from Charles
giving an account of William
which makes me very anxious
-He says he staid with him Sunday
night--Monday he set out to join
Stuart who had gone down the road
to a friends house five miles off.
Monday, Charles met Stuart &
his aide with their horses in
a lather of sweat, having been
pursued by the enemy.  Stuart
lost his hat, haversack & sword
& his aide, Chiswell Dabney
was riding without saddle & bridle
-William had gone down the plank
road not suspecting the enemy were
so near.  He had not been heard
of Tuesday morning and Charles greatly
feared he had been taken prisoner
  Returning home in the rain met at
Dr B's office young Botts and
a son of Dr. Bolton, seeking lodging
--Took them home with me--They are
going to Nelson Station.


MSS  4763