1862 January 24 [Staunton, Va.]

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, Civilian Clerk in the quartermaster Dept., Staunton, Va.]

Friday night, Jan. 24, 1862
Bad news! Yesterday received a report that
our General Zollicoffer had been killed and his
army defeated in Southern Kentucky near the
Tennessee line; but as the news came through
a Philadelphia paper received at Norfolk, and we
had no such intelligence through channels open to
us, it was not credited. This evening, however, we
have a full confirmation from Richmond. The
battle was fought near Somerset, Pulaski Co., Ky.,
Maj. Gen. Crittenden commanding on our side. He
made the attack, and the battle lasted till Brig.
Gen. Zollicoffer fell, when our army became de-
moralized and left the field. It is said we lost
five hundred (500) in killed and wounded, cannon,
army stores, etc. etc. In a word, that it was a com-
plete route, and that Crittenden was in full re-
treat to Knoxville. The news has had a very depress-
ing effect, particularly as it was believed that,
without some such signal success, the Northern
people would soon give up the war. There is still
reason to believe that the Federalists are about to
make a general assault at all points.
Little Mary has seemed better to-day, and Addy is
at least no worse. His father has been somewhat
relieved from this depression of yesterday and last
night. Addy is a wonderfully smart boy, but very
bad and unmanageable. He wished to know last night
where he would go, if he died. He is between four &
five years old. We have had a terribly stormy day –
snow, sleet and wind.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 38-258