1862 November 25 Staunton, Va.

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 1862.

The scene has greatly changed. The enemy, under Burnside, are opposite Fredericksburg demanding the surrender of the town, under a threat to shell it. Several messengers have passed between the two armies. The demand was refused, and up to the last dates the threat had not been executed. Many women and children left the place on Saturday, the 22^nd. Gen. Lee is there in person, commanding our forces. Jackson and D. H. Hill have moved from the Valley in the same direction. Things look dark for us. No indications of a termination of the war. From all quarters we hear that our soldiers are suffering for clothing, and appeals are made to the people to supply the want. Alas we have little to spare — Prices getting higher. No enemy in Highland, so far as we know.

[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258