1862 October 24 Lynchburg, Va.

[from the diary of William M. Blackford, bank officer and former diplomat with five sons in the Confederate Army]

Friday 24--continued fine weather.  Some
thing like Indian summer--Much
surprized at the  entrance into the Bank
of Lt. Macon of Eugene
s company. He
left Richd in such a condition as to
afford little hope of his ever retur-
ning, but he has recovered and looks
as well as usual--though he says
one of his lungs is useless. He has
come to Virga to try to get an exchange
believing he could not stand a winter
here--as I am sure he could not--He
came by Lynchburg to satisfy him
self as to Eugene's fate,having received
information which seemed authoritative
that he died in Richd.  He will stay
here with us until Eugene returns.
--I was not less gratified by a visit
from my old friend Sherrard,who
has been on a visit to his family in
Winchester--the Bank not having
returned thither--He represents the
condition of the people and town
as very distressing--During a months
stay he was not able to lay up a
cord of wood for his family--we
walked for an hour on the hills
and then called at the house where
we sat awhile---He would not dine
with us.  Sue spent the day with
us--tolerable well but very hoarse
At 1/2 past 3 went to church.  I was
requested to act as "Witness" for Abe
McDermot on his baptism and did
so with Dr Chalmers--There were
three adults and seven infants
baptised.  Mrs. Gen. Stuart was
sponsor for Jack Langhornes children
and the child of Dr. Walker.


MSS 4763