1862 January 18

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, Staunton, Virginia, civilian in the Quartermaster Dept.]

The destination of the Burnside expedi-
tion, which sailed from Hampton Roads sev-
eral days ago, is not yet known. I am inclin
-ed to think, however, that it is the mouth of
the Mississippi, or some point from which it
can cooperate with the Federal army which
preparing to move from Cairo and thereabouts. –
It is probably a part of the scheme to open the
navigation of the Mississippi to the North West,
a matter of almost vital interest to that sec-
tion. The Federalists have undoubtedly made for-
midable preparations for this enterprise. How
far we are ready to meet them, I do not know.
Cameron, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, and [-], it is
reported, other members of the Washington Cabinet
have resigned. I am kept very busy in the
Q.M. Office, and enjoy the occupation highly.
Lyle is there and Blackley, as Clerks, the former
having a good many spare minutes, which he
generally employs in relating the incidents of
his life in camp, on the march and at the
battle of Mannassas. The Capt (Quartermaster)
knows little about his business and leaves matters
pretty much to Blackley and me. B is a com-
petent clerk, but very slow. Little Mary, Al-
ick’s child, is very sick with quinzy. Kate
is staying there to-night. It is extremely painful
to see the little thing suffering. Some days ago
we heard that the Federalists had abandoned Rom-
ney, upon the approach of our troops, who now oc-
cupy the town. Gen. Jackson’s recent expedition
to the Potomac from Winchester, used up his army, from all
accounts. The soldiers are said to have suffered
terribly, having been out without tents, or blankets,
in the snow, and even without food for two days,
if I remember right. Ive Ryan, who was at
home on furlough, came up to see us a few
nights ago. He has gone back to his company.
There was a rumor to-day that the Yankees had
burnt Lewisburg – not believed. [word lined out] From the vigor
and extent of their preparations it seems that the
North really hopes to conquer the South. The
teachings of history are all lost upon the
infatuated people of the former section. Phil-
ip II of Spain endeavored for long years to
subjugate the little republic of the Netherlands,
Spain being then at the zenith of her power. The
Netherlands became a flourishing state, while
Spain soon afterwards began to decline, and fi-
nally sank into a decrepitude, from which
she has only of late years been emerging.

MSS 38-258