1862 September 22 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Monday morning, Sept. 22, 1862.

There seems to be a turn in the tide of our affairs. Things are 

discouraging this morning. After the battle of Wednesday last 

in which it is reported the enemy were badly defeated, our 

army was so much exhausted that Gen. Lee crossed the Poto-

mac into Virginia. It is reported that the enemy have also 

crossed but there is some dout doubt about that. Rumor says 

we have only 80,000 men left — or 50,000 effective. Reports 

also that a large force of the enemy is at Clarkesburg, Har-

rison Co. Legh started to Winchester yesterday, in 

charge of a wagon train, accompanying troops.

  Later. — Every arrival confirms the impression that we 

have been worsted in Maryland, on the whole. Rumored that 

our army was reduced by 20,000 men, in one way and 

another. Three or four of our Generals have been killed, and 

eight or nine wounded. One of Gen. Starke's staff, 

who arrived with his (Starke's) body, says the enemy 

were repulsed on Wednesday, but it was far from a 

victory for us. The American Hotel is to be used as a 

Military Hospital.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258