1862 August 22 "Clifton." Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Friday, August 22, 1862
Today F & I started again & accomplished
twice as much as we did yesterday--
First went to Mrs. Gordon Pendleton's --&
then to see poor Julia Allen--I felt so sorry
for her.  She looked lovely, & I could but think
the day may come when she will marry again.
I would be perfectly satisfied for you to
marry her, if I should die before you.  I know
she would make you a good wife, & be an excellent
step mother-- & you in return would be a father
to her boy.  He is a fine looking fellow &
she seems devoted to him.
We dined at Dr. Blackburns--Mrs. B. thinks
all hopes of saving the union is centered in
the Democrats, that thy will yet unite at the
North & put down the Abolitionists, when I
told Pa, he laughed at it--has always said they
the democrats -ruined the country.
After dinner we rode to Mr. Pages--found
them in good spirits, as they usually are--hopes
the war would soon be ended--
When we got home I was exhausted --- my ride was
too much for me.  I rode Willies trotting horse there
though F. made me ride Pa's horse back--
Ma & Pa took Tommie & went to see Patty
& to the mill on business.

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

MSS 15406