1862 December 16 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Tuesday 16--Much harassed with
business---not able to solicit subscrip-
tions until after 4 oclock--In a hour
obtained 350$- News that the Yankees
had recrossed the River at Fredg.
Pir people puzzled to know the
motive.  Their army was dreadfully
cut up Saturday--loss in killed & wounded
between 4 & 6000-- besides more prisoners
A staff officer of Burnside taken
says the fight was not resumed Sun
day in consequence of dissentions[sic] among
the officers-Burnsides fate is
sealed-who next?  Our loss is said
to be only 1500--Cobb (T.R) was our
greatest loss [among our men?] he
was highly gifted, patriotic, pious
and learned & eloquent.  the town
is not so much injured as was at
first thought--Lanty recd letter
from Wm Gardner announcing the
death of David [Bristow?] of the battery
at Fredg.--long his intimate friend and
messmate--and one of the finest young
men of the army--He was much affec
td and He is an enthusiast in friendship
and has a set of friends which does
honor to his choice.


MSS 4763