1862 September 3 Fauquier County, Va.

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Wednesday, September 3, 1862

I forgot to say that we have been busy
peeling peaches for Patty to dry, ever
since we have been here--hope she
may have a bushel when we are done--
Miss Katie Thomas called--she seems
anxious to get work--I got her to make
me a shaker & a hat for Tom out of Wheat
Straw which she did nicely, but I can
not afford to put out my work.  I am
determined to be more careful & economical.
Dear me how much more I would be [rich?]
if I hadn't been so wasteful--I look back
now & reproach myself for some
extravagances I might have checked if
I had wanted to--I hate to think
of your becoming more & more in debt
if you had only paid for your house
first &c before we spent so much
money for other things.  Never mind. I
hope that you too, will profit by your
experience; & when you begin again will
begin better.
Winchester is evacuated.  All of the forces
passed by our gates 5000 men & 700 waggons
--suppose many servants will follow them
out as usual.

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

MSS 15406