1862 September 4 "Eudora" near Leesburg, Va.

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler of Letcher's Artillery as recorded at a somewhat later date]

 Next morning (Sept. 4th) Was so weak & had
such high fever that the Dr told
me to ride in an ambulance which
I did, the army moving on at daylight.
At 12 or 1 o’c we passed through Leesburg
& when 2 miles beyond the Dr sent back
a note to me telling me I had better stop
at some house in or near Leesburg until
I recovered.  I have been suffering all
the morning with nausea in addition
to my other symptoms, headache being
very pronounced.  When I read the Dr’s.
note accompanied by Tanner I rode
back to Leesburg & tried to find a house
that would not be much inconvenienced
by my remaining there until well.  Tanner
stopped at a Mr Wildmans, where we
were attracted by the sight of the truly
benevolent countenances of some ladies.
Here he was told that although they had
two or three sick there already still they would
take another and do their best.  On invita-
-tion I alighted and the ladies (bless their
hearts) all pressed round to see if there was
not something they could do for me at once;
but feeling so weak and sick I felt as tho:
a bed to lie down on was the most nes-
-cessary thing for me.  After sitting a short
time in the parlor, Mr. Noble Braden
came in (and a most appropriate first
name he has) and asked me if I could
stand a ride of six miles in his rocka-
-way.  This I thought I could do, as
it would carry me into the country where
I could expect some quiet as well as rest.
My servant having brought my valise in,
& the ladies being ready to go,  I started
in the rockaway with Miss Lizzie Dulaney,
Mrs Peyton (Mr Bradens oldest daughter)
& two young daughters of Mr Braden, Misses
Jeanette & Florrie.  Mr Braden being on
horseback & a neighbors son riding my horse.
We reached “Eudora” – Mr Bradens house –
at dusk in the evening where I was in-
-troduced to Mr Gregg, a neighbor & Mrs
Braden.  After drinking a cup of tea
the ladies prepared for me was shown
to my room, & was soon divested of my
clothing and snugly stowed in bed, where
owing to the continual excitement I had been
subjected to, I tossed about for a great part
of the night without being able to get to
sleep.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150