1862 December 12 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Friday 12.  As beautiful a day as could
be desired for the season---In view
of the position of the army.  I could
wish for cold enough to freeze up
the Potomac--occupied til ten
A.M. weighing pork  here and at
Charles-  Sue recd by last nights
mail six letters from him-some
of late date.  He ha not heard of
his appointment--and had not recd any
letter from home--Lanty taken quite
sick--cold & fever.  Dr Minor says
it is the fever of vaccinations which
has taken finely--Supped at the
Drs-Wm L. Preston there-called
at the P.O. and  Virginian office.  New
that the enemy, repulsed at two points
had succeeded in crossing the Rappa
-hannock two or three miles below
Fredg.  It was thought Lee wished
them to cross.  Fredg had been much
injured by the shells of the enemy
and two women killed--alas for
the dear old Town

MSS 4763