1862 February 21 [Lynchburg, Va.]

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

Friday 21. Another mild clear day which is
very refreshing. No news direct from Tennessee
Northern accounts continue to aver that the loss
on our side in killed, wounded & missing is not
less than 15000. I think this must be exaggerated
The telegraph line I presume has been taken
possession of by our authorities as nothing comes
over it. It is great nonsense in the Governments
attempting to conceal anything from the people
I fear the worst from this silence & mystery.
Letter from Mrs. Hughes about her silver, which I
answered. The President has appointed Friday next
as a day of fasting, humiliation & prayer. In the evening
called with Mary J on Mrs McCormack, a daughter
of Mrs Jett who was a daughter of Mrs Lane of Rappa
hannock, at whose house I have spent some pleasant
days. She was not at home. Mary J read at night
in the Diary of George Dodington, Ld Melcombe
one of the meanest & most corrupt of the politicians
& courtiers of the days of Geo 2d.