1862 November 26 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Wednesday 26  After a threatning morning
we had a fine clear cold day. No
movement made yet on Fredericksburg
Every days delay is of momentous im
portance to us as it enables our forces
to concentrate.  I scarcely believe the
enemy meditates an advance from Frg
to Richd. I think they will go to the
James River.  I wish they would at-
tempt the march--Nothing of any
particular interest during the day
which was one of sound occupation
to me.  At night we had "High
life below stairs" enacted in the
finest style.  Our cook, Elvira
was married to a man belonging
to James Langhorne.  The ceremony
took place in the lecture room of
the 4th st. Methodist church.  Hacks &
omnibusses[sic] were in attendance.  The
service as admirably performed.  The
supper, which was served in the dining
room, was very abundant and
elegant.  The only thing we contri
buted was a round & some rolls.
The company was select and the
behaviour very good. The negroes
excel us in manners and their
imitation of all the usages of society
is very amusing. We had a taste
of the supper after the servants
had their say.  It was near two
oclock before the house was quiet.
Charles Trueheart came in abou
about 1/2 past 8 from Charlottesville
He was not a member of the Rock-
bridge Artillery, but has been some
time in charge of a hospital in Win
chester & is now ordered to report for
duty here--He is a fine sensible
young fellow.  He brings news that
Mrs. Nannie, or Jno B. Minor,
has another daughter--


MSS 4763