1862 February 20

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

Thursday 20 We have the unusual treat of a clear bright
pleasant day growing colder towards night. The news
still doubtful--but it is evident that the enemys ac
count of our losses is grossly exaggerated--Their own
loss is admitted to have been very severe. Ky was of
[?], we have our total loss put down at 2500
and the enemys at 6000 killed & wounded. Letter from
Charles--long & interesting--also one from Eugene to
Mary J--write to Lewis. He had informed me
that Mrs Gen. Huger, who has been at all times very
kind & motherly to him, at his instance would send to me
her silver. It arrived to day in a large travelling trunk
directed to me. I took it to the Farmers' Bank and
had it placed in the vault--not caring to have it in
my house. Called on Gen. R. E.Rodes, who has been
brought hither by the death of his father--He was not
in, but I met him afterwards at the Daguerrean
Gallery--Promised Button[?] to write one or two edi
torials for him while he is away attending the inau
guration--called & took leave of Mrs Morris. I regret
sincerely the removal of the family from Town. Our society
cannot afford the loss of such people as the Dr. &
herself, a [?] how I shrink from the task of wri
ting an editorial, which used to be a mere pastime
writing is a very mechanical thing and [?] with
me, in my editorial days, for a week, made it [?]
& [?] for a while--now, having written nothing for
the press for a long time, I fear I cannot do any thing
creditable Worked a while in the afternoon in the
Library, which has now a very imposing appearance
Lanty went to Richd to day to the inauguration. He will
make a brief visit to Edgewood & then home

MSS 4763