1862 August 8 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Friday 8.  Weather extremely hot. Telegram
that Gen Stevenson had captured
the Yankee Column at Cumberland Gap
This is Carter Stevenson of Fredg.  I
shall rejoice if the news be true
not only on public grounds but on
his account.  He is an excellent officer
and wants only the opportunity to
distinguish himself --Would that
his mother could have lived to enjoy
his success--closely engaged--Letter
from Mary dat4ed yesterday--She thinks
Eugene better--but her specifications
of his condition dont sustain her [?]
ion I hope they may reach home early
next week.


MSS 4763