1862 October 4 Chapel Hill, N.C.

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Saturday 4th  My heart has been lighted to day by the reception of a letter
from tom & I feel grateful to God for sparing his life so far he says he
is well & his Regiment is nos resting That he found it impossible
to write before as they are so constantly moving about--fording & refording
the Potomac several times.  That the part of the Army he is with now was
obliged to rest after a vigorous Campaign & several hard fought battles
about 12 miles from Martinsburg on the Baltimore & Ohio R Road & 20 odd miles
from Winchester.  He says we have been as far as Frederick City in Maryland
it is quite a pretty little place there, several companies were made up & joined us.
My Brigade had the honour of helping to take Harpers Ferry . We drove the Yankees
from the Maryland Heights, & held them till after the surrender.  We took 12000 Yankees
& 3 or 4000 negroes most of whom were sent to their masters when they could be
found--He says he hires some one to wash for him & there are others that cook--So he would
prefer Noah's remaining at home until he is stationary & sends for him--

MSS 6960