1862 December 3 Lynchburg, Va.

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

Wednesday 3.    Rain in the morning
for a short time.  About 10 recd
dispatch from Kean announcing
that Charles had been appointed
judge advocate of the military court
attached to Longstreets corps, provided
for by the late act of congress.  this
will be a very agreeable surprize
to him as he had long given up the
hope--Kean had not given him
any reason to expect success--quite
the contrary.  His pay and rank will
be the same.  This is every respect a
most desirable post and the appoint
ment considering the great number
of applicants, is very honorable.
It will enable him to have his wife
with him frequently.  I feel regret how
ever at his leaving the Regiment &
his company--just [?] as to all appearances
he was about to be made major.
The belief is that Munford had
come home with the intention of not
returning.  Heard of William's ex
ploit in Richd in capturing a thief
who relieved him of his bundle at
the depot.  I am told he figures in
the police report in the Examiner
As it has done lately so often the
weather cleared up in the evening
and the moon came out with great
brilliancy.


MSS 4763