1862 October 18 Staunton, Va.

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

Saturday, Oct. 18, 1862.

Indications of popular feeling at the North, are some-
what encouraging. A great meeting held in New York
City, a few days ago, was, in some degree, a peace meeting.
Fillmore + Washington Hunt were among the Vice Pres-
idents, and John Van Buren and others spoke. The
latter denounced the Administration and indirectly the
war; the resolutions took the same
ground. The meeting was held to in-
fluence the pending elections. Other
indications also are encouraging.
M^cClelland has issued an order pro-
hibiting political discussions in his
army, which is a good sign — There
must be some necessity for it — the ar-
my is criticising the government.

I annex a slip giving the last news from
Kentucky. We are still anxious as to the
result, however. A terrible Railroad ac-
cident, at Ivy, Albemarle Co., a few days
ago, to a train bringing soldiers up this
way — 7 or 8 killed and 60 to 70 wounded.
But what of this at a time when men
are killed and wounded by hundred and
thousands! Soldiers still passing through
to the army. Provisions of all kinds
scarce and prices high. Flour $14 per barrel — butter
75^c per pound. Serious apprehensions for the future. Cloth
very difficult to get. Great demoralization among the
people. Rights of property not respected as formerly.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258