1862 August 8 "Clifton," Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Another burning day.  Still wanting rain.
I feel like writing a long letter to you
have an idea that before I finish it
some way will turn up for me to send
it.  Mrs Baylor has been with her husband
who is wounded, & (is now near Staunton)--
She brings the news that Jackson will be here
before ten days have passed--I hope it may
be true. I feel that God will hear our
cries for relief;  from  the presence of
our enemies--.
Jacque has been sick for a week, but is a
great deal better to day.  I was very uneasy for
fear he would have the dysentery, but hope
it has all been entirely checked. Pa is so fond of
feeding children on fruit that he insisted a
good ripe pear would'nt hurt Jack & so
I tried it but I will be careful not to
do the like again--
Tom has improved very much.  It is
not half as difficult to make him mind
me as it was a few months ago. I have given
him some good lessons in whipping, & think
the secret his [?];  Pa took him behind
him on his horse to the depot & said he
behaved very well--John asked what he
was.  said "secesh rebel."

[partially transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Willis Wright Baylor]

MSS 15406