1862 November 1 Staunton, Va.

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

November 1862

Saturday, November 1, 1862

Reports in yesterday's papers, received last night, of English and French intervention. They came from New York. — The two governments, it is said, will propose an armistice to the United States, with a view to negotiation, for peace; and if it is refused, the Southern Confederacy will be instantly recognised. The governments named are apprehensive of servile insurrections, when Lincoln's emancipation proclamation takes effect, on the 1^st of January next, and are solicitous for the safety of the subjects resident in the Confederacy. Lord Lyons, the British Minister, was to sail on the 25^th ult., bringing a formal proposition to Washington, and the same steamer was to bring similar instructions to the representation of France. These are the reports — not fully credited.

I learned last night that Mr. Tinsley had gone to Richmond on Wednesday, to see the Secretary of War in reference to the occupation of our church. I regretted it exceedingly. Last night J. H. Lacy, an aid of Gen. G. W. Smith, came up under orders to investigate the matter. — He came to see me this morning, and I explained my position and feelings. Another letter from Mr. Stuart last night — he says Kentucky is joined to her idols. I fear the State is really against us, and if so, how are we to agree upon a boundary, or ever have peace?

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow Project]

MSS 38-258