Diary | Letters Home

Diary

William Gray of R

Corner 4^th & Bird St

Richmond

Address of Bundle Va

of John Greens

————————————————

Rehoboth Po Office

Lunenburg Co

V^a

Harry A. M^cArdle

Richmond V^a

July 8^th 1861

————————————————

[picture]

M^r J. Channet

of Mingo Flats

————————————————

[scribbles]

————————————————

Asparagus & parsley—about a pint water to handful—boiled with little saltpeter

June 23^rd 62 D^r Williams

————————————————

[short note, illegible]

[sideways]

Don't tear this

————————————————

Fredrick M^d

May 24^th 1861. (9 o'cl p.m.

Oh! God of mercy whose act has done this thing? have I not suffered long and patiently for offences not mine own? How oft in the lonely night, when those whose cruelty has for a time, perhaps for ever, blasted my brightest hopes, where slumbering soundly have I sat in lonely meditation, sometimes daring to hope I would stand acquitted of the many charges made against me by my enemies.

And sometimes wondering how my dull nature and unprepossessing manners had ever gained me the friends I had been robbed of. But oftener, still oftener would I wish I had never known such happiness. For oh! it was so bright while those long dark months of grief which followed seemed so many

————————————————

bitter years. And now oh! pitying angels, do then intercede for me that these maddening thoughts may not deprive me of my reason, for now I know she too has suffered.

Gordonsville V^a June 6^th 61

waiting five hours, connection train to Ric^d Balt^o Saturday last, Jennings buggy to Point Rocks next morning, all night at the "St Charles", alarm of Yankies coming Ashby. breakfast next morning, hand car over the fallen "Bollman" ladies in company, laugh of one considerably injured difficulty to gain admittance to Ferry, lodged with "Independent Greys". next morning to Winchester (on lightning Express about a mile an hour) stage to Strasburg. dragged from bed (in hotel) at two next morning, mile through mud to cars, through Gap, Junction at 8 A.M., a portion of Confederate encampment in the distance.

————————————————

257 Main St Richmond Va

June 6^th 61

Reached here last evening. have been to see M^rs D. & Neill & Carson. ah the "Tredagar" amid forests of cannon & mountains of shot & shell, years dark desolating years of bloody war. Park five. Crawfords equestrian of Washington & Harts Clay the former grand with few faults both head good display bad. Hotels—Exchange, L[?]wood, American, and others are fine. Churches almost innumerable private dwellings very handsome, streets filled with military hotels and the suburbs the same

212 Broad Sunday June 9^th 61

To see Johnston, changed much from private life—disappointed. man of this state loafing about corners. thought every man capable of bearing arms in field in this volume

————————————————

June 13^th 61—Just left Clarkson Don't doubt his loyalty to the south, nor would have inferred wants courage but, left home secretly, parents, stop him, sent for fighting dress, might as well send it, to fight was going. nor return to Balt^o heels Yankies. Turns up Winchester two weeks after his and my first departure Balt^o, going to camp at Norfolk. all distance. Company happens to be here, but one week not sufficient to bring him to Company. Sorry his noodle tickles press!! fighting eh!—tho nothing to lose but huge talk of what he'd do, fierce Yankee killing was "Billie"".

Last night "army band" serenading Benjamin & Soule—play finely—crowd must like "uptown" familiar gentlemen, calls for "Ben" "Benny" Soule "any other man" we'll go if somebody dont speak Say you

————————————————

brass buttons "Dixey" she [?] the mockingbird Soule, any good southern man. L[?] unfortunate governor cut in half by opening notes of French anthem, thought one man as good as another, and a great deal better so retired to my lonely room. had talk Governor yesterday

Sunday June 16^th 61

Sitting in parlor pleasant breeze through shade trees. I wish that machine—I ask pardon—that young ladies tongue—would stop. heavens, how they can talk, pirty, true, but dresses, spoiled in making—far too long below waist far too short above. oh well appreciate saying heard childhood, we know not how to value pleasures of this world until about to lose them. Thus ere die birds far more sweetly flowers bloom brighter colours

————————————————

rivulet meanders, silvery soothing tones Clouds float graceful forms and gorgeous hues—God, day sinks halo hung light, far dazzling splendour, ever gazed upon.

Thus pleasures driven from, grave exile, How remember trifle pleasure pain mingled, hurried but well remembered [?] pleasures ever surrounded, oh steels shaddows & fears. Yet oh dear memory.

June 25^th 61. Be that evacuation, Harpers Ferry, routs Lincolnite New Creek (near Cumberland) slaughter "varmints", Vienna, report capture Lyon at Boonville, all of interest. Left letters yesterday up Boss, state convention "old fogyians" predominant "Mayo's Island" in James on Sunday July 2^d topic conversation Col

————————————————

Thomas, Captain St Nicholas had fifteen men 300 to be taken at "Point Lookout" to capture Pawnee defeat plan, on account, latter leaving for Wash body Cap Ward killed in action Mathias poorly however took 3 prizes

————————————————

Staunton V^a

July 15^th 61

Writing this on a bundle of tent poles (prepaired for marching at daybreak tomorrow morning) Arrived here this morning from Richmond after a most tiresome ride of twenty four hours, am now idealizing the charms of romance in waiting by the light of a camp fire with the dark firmament above my head brightened faintly by a pale quiet moon. To the right and left rise mountains of small but graceful and bold outline, and away in the centre of the picture and far beyond can be seen the musty form of a portion of the "Shenandoah" Blue Ridge. in the rear is Staunton a pirty little place whose people manifest a great interest in the im

————————————————

pending struggle, and who have shown great kindness to Company "B" (Maryland Guard) we had a delightful dinner at the "Virginia"

July 20^th early morning I was going to add when I was stop'd by roll call, 'Tis now about 8 AM all ready for marching destination towards the unfortunate battle ground of "Rich Mountain". We hear our Yankie enemies are by far the less dangerous. The fine marksmen but crawling traitors of the Northwest will no doubt dig many a grave for our little band. but O God thy will be done death before disgraceful humiliation must be our motto.

————————————————

Buffalo Gap (Shenandoah Mountains)

July 21^st Arrived here last afternoon after a rapid march from Staunton The scenery here is truly and resembles very much that of Harper's Ferry. There was a moonlight scene last night which excepted anything I have ever seen; sitting in lovely valley with but three small openings through mountains which rise above the clouds. The moon creeping above the summit of the loftiest gilding portions of the trees which grew all round in golden hues, while others are clothed in sable rosiness and giving to the mountain itself the appearance of a volcano The scene in the fore ground is a valley of tents with camp fires covering the

————————————————

entire valley. This morning we march again Monterey is I believe our destination where it is reported the enemy under M^cClellan to the number of forty thousand are stationed.

Camp Marion 22^d nothing of note

M^cDowell July 23^d 61

Arrived here yesterday evening in the most pitiable plight can well be imagined. Marched from a valley north of the "North" mountain a distance of sixteen miles nearly all the distance up hill sliding at each step the distance back while all day long the rain poured down in torrents and we washed the mud of our weary journey to find the camp ground wide flat soft grass covered with [faded] without anything to

————————————————

eat. and the rain still falling heavily. how we supped how we slept on the wet grass with a small single blanket to cover, with the wet cloth of our tent resting on our face, how we got up this morning to find ourselves even wetter than when we lay down last night! how we breakfasted [?] much we are prepaired to resume our march (ten miles more I believe) to Monterey can all be imagined.

Monterey July 24^th 61

Again about to move after having looked for a weeks recruiting and to make it more unpleasant, in a partly retrograde movement the enemy having started for Huntersville southwesterly direction their object being to seize the railroad [obscured]

————————————————

Monterey is a small village in a valley about half a mile long and reaches as far as the eye can see and how much further I do not know. It is surrounded by "spurs" of the Alleghenies.

The picture at sunrise was very animated the long lines of [?] and great squares of tents some glittering in the suns rays while others seemed wrapt in a thick fog.

The nights here are as cold as winter with a dew which completely drenches every thing having the very blanket which covers us as wet as if it had been immersed in water.

We pass our signals with lights at night they appear

————————————————

as stars about one degree above the top of the surrounding mountain, then descending slowly. The operation had a fine effect.

"Camp Chicken"

July 25^th 61

Arrived here 12 miles west of Monterey about four o clock yesterday afternoon from Monterey with nearly every man worn out some limping in the ranks this like the Gap is truly a magnificent scene (I must now stop I am on advance guard) the camp ground is about one eighth of a mile in circumference with mountains of sugarloaf form blending in to each other one rising to between three and four hundred feet ~~hight~~. I have not time to make a sketch.

The name "Chicken" our boys gave it and derives not

————————————————

from the great number of that particular fowl found here but probably from having taken several specimens with them which they collected on the last few miles of the road.

We make twelve miles to day and ten tomorrow in order to reach Huntersville where is said Col Freemont with eight thousand men are posted.

Camp on Nappa Creek

Pocahontas Co. July 25^th 2pm

Just arrived from "Camp Chicken" (twelve miles) we who were in the advance guard had a very good time as far as milk apple butter &c could make us so

This like Camp McDowell is without any peculiar interest it resembles to a certain extent our groves about

————————————————

Baltimore. We start tomorrow morning for Huntersville ten miles off We shall very likely encounter the Yankies on the rout.

Huntersville (10 miles from camp Nappa) July 26^th 1861

Reached here about half past eleven dined at the house of a lady named Lowry treated me most kindly has a son in the Western army. must try and find him. our camp is in a cut wheat field and as is generally in a plain surrounded by mountains with the little village of Huntersville to the south east about a quarter mile distant. the scenery though fine is not as grand as either the Buffalo Gap or "Camp Chicken"

Huntersville July 28^th 61

(Sunday evening) Sitting on a rail fence in front of our tents being exempt from duty

————————————————

by having been engaged by our Col. on temporary duty ( sketching a road) We are here now two days and may remain some time longer.

I would not mind it as much however were not other Marylanders winning such glorious laurels at Manassas, besides my mind is wrecked by monotony Now looking at the skirmish drill of our camp, which is beautiful. July 29^th (Evening)

Have quite an easy time; not having any drill to go through from being engaged on special business by Col Gilham Yet still the life is very tiresome the only variety is that when we have the way of warriors "set tooo" among our men, all of which spring directly or indirect from the labours of cooking.

————————————————

one of these difficulties occurred a few days ago between two brothers named Best which was amusing indeed; and after pummeling ~~each other~~ knocking down and throwing stones with the greatest desperation at each other and when a M^r Price interfered to quiet them to see them join again and assail he who would have quieted their disturbance. Twas indeed amusing notwithstanding the disgrace which such scenes bring on the Company. And by the way it is very strange we have any such exhibitions for nearly every member of our Company has moved in the best circles of Balt^o society. But it is perhaps from the very fact that their natures [?] the present disagreeable duties are made so quarrelsome.

————————————————

I have very little time to myself part of my spare moments I am performing on the violin for the amusement of our Company many of whom are musicians of fine taste again I am taking sketches of the different members of our party who beg and coax me until I have to consent to transfer their dirty phizes to paper. and what a picture gallery!

Crookshank would love to possess such a collection.

Huntersville

Aug^st 1^st 61 (10 AM)

The scene like my future is shrouded in an impenetrable mist. The rain fell in torrents this morning completely flooding almost every tent in our Company. it has however ceased and we may be seen perched on rail fences barrels &c kill-

————————————————

ing time; the mountains around are now looking very beautiful.

(7 p.m. resumed—I was stopped this morning by Gilham to assist in drawing a map of this section of the state)

Along and around these mountains are great bodies of dense fog through which at intervals their tops may be seen towering heavenwards while all is dark below.

I with two others (Mess^rs Lemmon & Spencer) passed over the highest of these yesterday, and without exception it was the most tiresome as well as the most perilous task I have undertaken. We did however with parched lips and strained limbs reach the summit and o how our toil was repaid, one of the loveliest scenes which can be well imagined met our enchanted gaze.

————————————————

———xxx from the fallen trunk of a huge tree blown across a ravine on the top I have secured a beautiful piece of moss which I shall take And with that beautiful picture came thoughts of all that is most dear [faded] to me. And simultaneously a desire to bring [faded] moments of [?] feelings as here noting in the towering peak of the Alleghany [faded] the purpose I perceived a piece of moss from a fallen tree which has been toppled by some fierce storm across the ravine near the summit of the mountain

————————————————

Huntersville Aug^st 4^th 61

(Sunday morning)

Myself and two other Baltimoreans are now sitting in the porch of the "hotel" of the place, a two story brick building with a very large quantity of red paint and ornamented with a hung sign perched on a very tall post. The sign itself is enclosed in a frame swinging by hinges at the top. on one side is a figure of an Indian beauty whose head and shoulders tower far above the tops of two very large trees with golden fruit which grow immediately behind where the figure is planted (more firmly than the trees). in one hand this lovely damsel holds black bow with blue string and in the other a huge bouquet of broom. on her head ~~of the~~

————————————————

a crown of very wiry appearance with a huge feather of the deepest yellow. Lest this work of art might be seen only by persons going in one direction, it is repeated on the other side of the board, so that travelers both north and south are alike enchanted by its beauties. Underneath the feet are the names "Hogset & Squires" who are the happy owners of this gem, as well as the house with the red paint. Our Company left on Friday night for Big spring 27 miles from here and toward the enemy at Huttonsville. five or six members were left behind from being sick or unable to march

————————————————

and another (M^r Smith) & myself remain on special duty. our poor fellows must have suffered much from a long march with heavy accoutrements arms and knapsacks, over a very bad road, around and over mountains, and in the black gloom of midnight.

Their labours will no doubt however be rewarded by a meeting with the Yankies who it is said are in Middle Mountain. All here is hurry in getting Regiments off. the greatest trouble is to get wagons. Gen Loring is in command of the North West [ in code].

————————————————

Huntersville

Tuesday Aug^st 6^th 1861 2 p.m.

Have just stopped my work (Drawing maps for Gen Loring) to make a note of a singular phenomena ~~The~~ One of the most brilliant flashes of lightning followed by a very loud burst of thunder has just passed my window and the sun is shining in an almost unclouded sky—strange place these mountain wilds.

Huntersville Aug^st 8^th 61 (8 AM)

Waiting at an orchard (late headquarters of Gen Loring) to start for Big spring twenty seven miles north of this place. The enemy are reported four miles off.

[code]

————————————————

[code]

Edrey Aug^st 8 12 ½ PM 11 miles from Huntersville 3pm

Standing underneath a pine on the top of Elk Mountain waiting for the wagon in which I am riding to come up. there are two pair horses on the wagon yet they are almost unable to move the incline is fearful. the scene from the south side of Elk baffles description. It is now a perfect roar overhead and the rain is pouring down.

Big Spring Aug^st 9^th 5 AM

Had a very unrefreshing rest last night. slept in Col Stevensons tent (the only one put up) and lay on the wet earth with a wetter blanket to cover me Capt Gammon & M^r Smith slept at a home a short distance off w dinner & servants. to the

————————————————

wagons. The scenery here has not anything remarkable, at least in this country of beautiful mountains and rivers, and yet there is about fifty yards from here there is a spring of delicious water comes from underneath the mountain, not around or winding down but right from between and underneath huge rocks which gird the base of the mountain. We move this morning for headquarters (I believe on Valley Mount some four miles from here)

Oh! what a night was last! how pleasures & pains were mingled in one misty undefined picture. A river rushed by not more than a few feet from my low chilly bed and notwithstanding all my efforts to escape

————————————————

dreaded recollections, sounds of all I live for came ever from the rushing wave.

I thought of home, the waters broke around the rocks in hoarser, near dreary sounds. It may have been they said "you've got no home". but softly lovingly they murmured when my thoughts returned to [faded]. And then again a fierce & angry roar would warn me of our [faded] Valley Mountain at last on a fortified field. at last in the neighbourhood of the enemy. hear as every place else along the rout is a multitude of mountains. As I look southward the direction in which I have just come, I can see two long ranges, while to the left runs one very high line to apex of the Cheat stretching from the foot of

————————————————

the foreground and terminates on the center of the view, from whence runs a small valley up to the base of the Knob on which we are encamped.

Turning north the position changes to the left runs a low ridge and about three hundred yards distant, divided from the high ground on which I stand, by a very deep ravine; to the right is a village similar and separated by the road to Hustonville. In the foreground from the base of this hill opens out a field of rolling ground and stretching north apparently about three miles over this can be seen stretching from the left of the back ground the rugged and bold ridges of the Rich Mt running far far to the north untill it

————————————————

is lost in a misty blue outline amid the clouds.

In the foreground may be seen men working on fortifications artillery road &c surrounded by great number of horses. The only dwelling visible, though the view commands the entire country north for from seven to ten miles, is one small cabin in the foreground. [code]

Lord have mercy

oh lord massa dont

kill me down dead—

Exclamation of negro to Capt Clark

————————————————

Sunday Aug^st 11^th P.M.

(in the camp of Artillery Co a prisoner)

Waiting for the accomplished ~~Capt~~ Major to dispose of [?] & my own case. He ordered us to his camp through the orders of Gen Loving to whom our case (whipping a negro) was misrepresented. this item shall be an important point in my diary. The black scoundrel stole every thing I had as baggage and after having told Capt Clark and myself a hundred lies each one different in regard to the articles he wound up by saying he sold them to a party at Big Spring some four miles from here I with two friends went along through mud almost knee deep to recover but after

————————————————

reaching the point found only the proof of another lie. And then taking the black thief and whipping him with a switch in order to have some information about my property, this most sympathizing individual came along and interfered. his case shall be attended to if I know Capt Clark. And if I know myself Gen Loring will regret this incident. I am almost tired of the miserable place. Scenery is not the only thing we have to feast upon.

Valley Mountain Aug^st 15^th 1861.

Wrote this morning to John, send the letter by Geo M^cGee to Richmond to be delivered to Rob^t W. Lanier who will forward it at the earliest opportunity. M^cGee is discharged

————————————————

from being broken down through long and hard marching, and perhaps hard living. With him goes the black thief who stole all my movables, clothes, books, stationery, and sketch book. things I valued very much indeed

"Valley mountain" Monday Aug 19^th

Have not written in my diary for several days, for several reasons. one, that I have not had anything of importance to note another the weather outdoors (where I generally write) has been very wet and inclement. A few days ago a M^r Blonford and myself went on Cheat Mountain (a few miles of the Yankies) to pick blackberries, of which we brought back to camp a most tempting dish. our "mess" lived high that day for sure, and was the point around which many "hovered".

There was a good deal of excitement

————————————————

of a less noble nature around camp last night owing to a rumor to the effect that the enemy were advancing and to make the story more probable a prisoner was taken in of a very Yankee caste, dressed fine with United postage stamps and a letter or letters containing expressions of a very hostile nature and still more certain evidence of his being a spy or at least a Yankee—he talks most severely of "Abe" and his abettors, uttering the strongest protestations of his loyalty towards the South. And all-unsolicited.

Valley Mountain

Aug^st 22^nd 61.

Have had quite an exciting time during the last few days. First came the news the enemy were advancing followed

————————————————

by an order for forty of our company to make up the advance to receive them. This was again followed by an order that the balance of the Comp^y should receive and cook too days rations and be ready to march at a moments notice. And notwithstanding there are over forty out of eighty five on the sick list and some very bad indeed; notwithstanding others and myself are on special duty (and as far as I am concerned, could and have been asked by Loring to remain with him) we to a man were ready to march. When alas! the order was countermanded and here we are high (but not dry) on this wild mountain, with an abundance of mud, uncooked bread "and other delicacies".

By the by speaking of bread re-

————————————————

calls some of the many "rich" scenes we witness every day during cooking hours. Men who when at home did not see the kitchen nor kitchen utensils once in a month now quarrelling with the members of another mess for the ownership of a frying pan or battered tin cup; men who rushed to Farauderies or some similar cleansing saloon if they got their hands or face soiled, or the freshness of the mornings perfume had died away. now "to the eye" (and the eyes too) in grease and dirt washing out kettles and saucepans.

Others again who lived at Barnums or Gilmores on "quanvivy tarts" &c now crouched around the cooking fire waiting for a burned "slapjack". Yet still they're merry, still they laugh and sing

————————————————

Tis true at times their spirits for a short moment sink low and sadly tis equally true they swear (some times tis hard to avoid doing so, burned fingers or burned bread for instance) An amusing instance of the latter just now occurred "a limb of the law" (poor John B. Tidy I think of you) who was spouting Virgil in most classic and beautiful style, and flourishing a table knife (~~with which he was cooking~~) in the absence of a brief, was reminded the cakes he was cooking were all burned, when he fell at once from "Oh! fortunatos, si sua bona norint" &c to "G—d d—n the cakes to h—ll". This however does not look very pirty on paper. I shall therefore leave off.

————————————————

Fortune smiled on me a short moment the other day, I recovered my portfolios with some few more of my stolen articles. All of which however has been very much injured.

I did intent writing this morning to John and [blank] but that I have written so often and waited so long without once hearing from either.

Valley Mountain.

Aug^st 25^th '61. (Sunday)

Sunday! and what a train of recollections that word brings to my mind. days of boyhood more vivid than I have ever had in later years pictured to my memory. Why it is so I cannot say, without indeed it is that in these wild mountains and without once hearing from those I believe

————————————————

would sometimes think of me—I feel so utterly forsaken, alone and neglected and that then, in years gone by, if I experienced no emotions of happiness such as I had enjoyed for a brief period ere leaving my adopted home, neither did I know such cruel disappointment, such unexpected, such unmerited neglect. If however I am mistaken; if all around me receive almost daily proofs of the continued friendship of their distant friends, in the same place too where mine were. While to my many prayers [faded] many letters, comes not one responsive sound. If I say all this is no proof of neglect to me then do I most humbly pray from that [faded]

————————————————

kind and charitable forgiveness.

Sunday! it to recall, oh! I am almost maddened by the thought, that night on which my cursed folly for a time, or perhaps for ever, destroyed the greatest happiness I have ever known; the Elysium my waking dreams had made me.

But yet! am I alone to blame. At that time I had not received on any occasion the first proof of more than [faded] if I may so speak while from those around I daily received hints of the hopelessness of my [faded]. All this followed by the unhappy events of that long to be remembered night, will I am sure ever [faded] my

————————————————

offending.

But I forget, this is not a place to pour the overflowings of an unsettled, unhappy mind. were it such, were I to write what this simple word—Sunday—would recall, I would continue all day, and to night, and tomorrow and the next day, in a word always for always, and while mind remains must I continue to think and think and dream of those whose memory is so [faded] remembrance of that holy but to me [faded] day.

Our Company and no doubt all others here are thoroughly sick of this inaction The more especially as the accommodations here are very bad in-

————————————————

deed, which together with a cold chilly atmosphere and almost incessant rain cause great suffering and has laid down over one half of our number. This too is but part of the misfortunes resulting from the great quantity of rain we have had. The roads have been in such fearful condition as to be to wagons almost impassible. And has no doubt tended to retard our forward movement.

To day however is beautiful and gives hopes of an advance. Besides if we were not so impatient we might find some little pleasure or gratification in many circumstances bordering on the romantic. One of these but a very unfortunate one, occurred lately Two of

————————————————

our boys—Geo. M^cGee & Courtney Jenkins, both first rate fellows, when returning from picket got ahead of the Company took the wrong trail (path) lost their way and before they could return the waters from the mountains tore down the bed of the river, a few hours before almost dry filling and overflowing its banks and sweeping huge rocks and trunks of trees in its mad career. They then found themselves completely cut off from all retreat as the rear was perpendicular rocks slanting in rugged and jaggy lines while in their front and on the right & left swept the boiling raging stream. They remained there without food and exposed

————————————————

to the drenching storms for forty eight hours when Jenkins desperately attempted to ford but was swept like a feather over rocks and any other obstacle that obstructed its course. And he was most fortunate in being carried on shore some distance down the stream. He was as might be expected very much bruised. He however is almost well.

Valley Mountain

Aug^st 26^th 61

Sitting on M^r Heavener's porch waiting for dinner—he has a very pirty frame building with several smaller outhouses It is widely known from the hospitality of the owner, as well as its being the only ~~one~~ dwelling met with for miles

————————————————

It is situated at the north end of Valley Mountain in a very small valley and on the bank of Valley River.

M^r Heavener himself is one of those easy talking reflective men who look you steady in the eye before speaking to you he has rather a pleasing ~~appear~~ expression turning to a smile when speaking He has a very prominent nose surmounted by eyebrows light and approaching underneath which [?] small eyes of light colour his hair is long as is his whiskers both of which are of a dark brown hue about five feet ten. His dress is of homespun blue and maid into claw hammer coat & tight pants

————————————————

finished at the bottom with very large dirty "guffins" and the coat is toped with a very large drooping black slouch hat.

I notice the man and his house for the reason that both are likely to become famous in the history of this war. The building as a position on a battle field and the owner through it.

Valley Mountain

(6 AM) Aug^st 29^th 61.

Lying on my spring bed, it being too wet to go outside and not having anything better to do I shall attempt noting my different duties, those of others around me, and the mode and manner of living in this wild uninhabited and almost unknown region.

————————————————

First then, as for myself, being exempt from all guard duties, as well as roll calls &c (which I am from having been engaged on maps for Loring, as well as Lee) My only remaining duties are to cook in my turn and do my washing. In addition to this the regular duties include picket guard which generally means to march six or seven miles over a fearfully muddy road and in the rain, to remain standing in a thicket for twenty four hours with nothing to eat but a piece of tough beef and uncooked bread both soaked with the rain. (for it rains almost incessantly.) another duty is standing guard around the camp ground which is not quite so bad, but that which

————————————————

is most disagreeable to our men is road making; felling timber &c. The roll calls too are exceedingly annoying to most of them. taking them from their beds at five in the morning at Revilee which by the way is often an amusing scene the punishment for not being in the ranks is extra duty: the only alternative is to tumble out as they have been sleeping, some with pants some—it is a fact, without. true they sometimes have them in their hands. Then one by one (to go on with the days performance) spring up fires all round and one by one fall in the cooks for the day (some messes all cook at one time)

————————————————

generally two or three for each mess. these matters are arranged among the men themselves. The time spent in prepairing breakfast is generally about two hours splitting wood getting water (both are difficult to get), making bread frying beef and making coffey. after or sometimes before breakfast is over there is another roll call. Then comes working. Those who have any to do or who feel disposed to be clean. Then with some there is a few hours of lounging or card playing after which dinner comes or rather the time to get it cooked This meal takes more time & causes more trouble than any other meal and is

————————————————

seldom finished before time to prepair supper (some do not cook any of the latter meal) among those who do however is generally to be heard some tall swearing. perhaps the fact of its being cooked in the dark accounts for this. burned fingers, coffey pots upset tumbling down in the mud &c. After this ordeal is over comes another roll call tattoo after which the men are left to crouch in each others or in their own tents or if it is not raining on the ground around their tents, until "Taps" at which time all lights must be extinguished and all noise hushed. My cooking

————————————————

takes about two days in the week. My washing about one half a day. and the balance of the time I spend in sketching and writing.

with the sketching however I make but poor progress, on account of the rain.

Valley Mountⁿ

Aug^st 31^st 8 o'c am)

Since leaving off two days ago I have been reminded of other duties which the soldier is required to perform. this reminder came in the shape of an order for the cleaning of arms and tents, preparatory to an inspection to take place this morning. I of course was not obliged to do either yet I did so because I was anxious

————————————————

to have my musket in readiness for the Yankies and there being some of my mess sick (which by the way was the cause of my leaving off this description so abruptly) I saw but little prospect of the work being done without my assistance. (About 5 pm)

Went sketching this morning another view of our camp looking east which is very animated, and will make a very pirty sketch if I get time to finish, but I was obliged to leave off to do my washing which I have now done and will be at leisure until Monday. Just now our major has passed through our tents to see the sick of which there are alas! a great many some too very low among the latter our first

————————————————

Sergeant Geo Gibson, a first rate fellow, too. he will leave for Richmond by the first wagon going to Huntersville. our second Lieut M^r Close M^r Webb M^r Green Buck Hyner and several others are dangerously ill. The sun has been shining all day and though now clearly beaming the air is so cold I must go put on my jacket.

Wonder if in dear old Balt^o they're not suffering from the heat. yet it may be the air is chilly there also for hearts have grown cold there. hearts too warm. oh! so full of love and friendship but a few short months ago are now to me as cold as if the withering hand of death had passed between us.

————————————————

Valley Mountain

Sept 1^st '61—7 A.M.

(Sunday) Once again it is a beautiful morning and I am waiting to get an opportunity to cook my own breakfast. some of my mess are sick and others are going on picket, leaving none of the cooks for the day. There is one consolation however, everything speaks of an early advance on the enemy. 'Tis said our pickets approached within hailing distance of the Yankies on yesterday at "Mingo flats".

1 o'clock PM

Have been blackberry picking and now wait at Heavener's for dinner. The day is very

————————————————

beautiful and the first which is at all like summer M^r Heavener tells me he believes we will have warmer weather during the present month than we have had yet. I hope it will continue at least four or five days, so as to make the roads passable and then! Why and then we will no doubt have the long wished for advance on the enemy. And yet not one perhaps in all our Army who has not many hopes and desires of home which may also persist in their hearts blood on our first battle field. still, still we're anxious first repose

————————————————

ing in thee—O! Lord! our every trust and relying on Thy merciful protection believing—O God! of truth we are fighting in a just and holy cause.

Valley M^t

September 2^nd 1861.

Singular to say we have another fine morning and almost every person is taking advantage of it some washing their clothes, others throwing open their tents, and some few like myself have taken their blankets in the sun and lain down to write. But not to write like me, for I am but scribbling in a diary, while they are answering letters from friends kind and true in dear old Baltimore. To that same

————————————————

place where I have written o! so often in vain.

Valley Mountⁿ (I am weary of the name) September 3^d—'61.

4 o'cl p.m. Just now finished dinner for which I have been waiting for more than an hour, the cooks for to day being both "slow coaches". The morning I spent in working on my sketch of the camp ground looking east from the west side of the grounds. I intended to go blackberry picking but Jn^o Green sent for me and asked me if I would do a favour for a sick friend (himself) which is to go each night and morning to the physician's tent for his breakfast and supper which the doctor promised him of healthy food.

And this I shall do as long

————————————————

as I am not engaged on other duties, and as long as I am able to move about myself. But if we remain here much longer I fear much I will be like the body of the Company, on the sick list.

Indeed I feel worn down very much physically and mentally [faded] there but a wreck remains.

Valley Mountⁿ

Sept 4^th 61

Another miserable rainy day in which I have been standing since six o'clock this morning (it is now near three o'clock) cooking too for a man who is on picket.

Valley M^t.

Sept 6^th 61

Have had quite a race

————————————————

through the mud after M^r Gay who carries a note to Neill for me.

On yesterday I sent another by the father of one of camp "F" who had come here to see his son die.

Day before yesterday I stood all day in the rain cooking Yesterday I stood all day picking blackberries. However had a splendid dinner at M^r Heavener's This morning I am on guard Our Company and the entire regiment being so entirely decimated, without myself and some few others who were exempt from duty it was found impossible to make up a guard.

————————————————

It is now near ten A.M. at which time I take my post (second relief)

The roads are again in a fearful condition. Yet tis whispered we are on the eve of a battle and come when it will it must be bloody and sanguinary.

Valley M^t

Sept 7^th '61.

Resting by Heavener's being very much fatigued after my guard

Huntersville.

I dont know what day of the month it is I dont know what day of the week it is—

————————————————

all I do know is, I'm just able to sit with my back against the wall of M^r Squire's dining room on the floor of which I have been lying since yesterday afternoon at which time I arrived from Edrey. And O God what I suffered on that fearful ride, not half recovered from typhoid fever, not able to stand without a giddiness coming in my head, and placed on an old boney horse without a saddle to go ten miles over mountains! fearful, fearful indeed. It was only through God's direct assistance and the desper

————————————————

ation of my case which concentrated every particle of strength and energy remaining for a death struggle. For truly it was such. had I remained at Edrey I would have died for want of food had I fallen on the road or remained in the mountains I would have both hunger and exposure to meet.

But I reached here and have received a few meals from a most kind lady named Hutchison who is cooking for M^r Squire's family, all of whom are now sick with fever. the only

————————————————

person about the place not having it being a negro man who waits on the family (I am to much fatigued now and must stop)

Huntersville

Sunday Sept 29^th '61

Three or four days since I last tried to write, since when I have suffered a good deal from weakness and exhaustion I however got into the house of Cap^t Gammon who has treated me most kindly cooking for himself and me though he too is just recovering from typhoid fever and scarcely able to move about. He also gave me a bed to sleep on

————————————————

which by the way I believe to a certain extent has done much towards saving my life. All his family have moved to the next county for safety. The Yankies are expected here. he is therefore left to keep house by himself and I try to help him but o! what poor help.

When I left off the other day I was going to say how I got the fever and how I was treated on Valley Mountain. How much attention I recd how I was taken not half recovered with the fever still upon me put in a regular provision wagon without springs where they piled with four or five of us all equally bad, the knapsacks of over

————————————————

thirty men and drove us over a dreadful rocky mountain road for four days But I shall remember all this and much more of the same sort without committing it to paper. Some reflections I had on that fearful trip which O [faded] I could not if I would ever forget, when jolted and almost fainting at every move I'd look around and see on the dreary hill side men digging holes and lower down coffinless the bodies of men just died from the same disease that was then eating away the little spark of energy and strength left me O Merciful Heaven what a

————————————————

thought, to die in such a place to be buried in such a way and when the train had passed away to have your death home where not the sound of a human voice is heard in years and where only animals savage and fierce as the storms that sweep through these wild mountains is seen and heard. they might prowl around your grave, they might make their bed where the earth had sank above you. the owl might screech a requiem in his fierce and sullen midnight cry. This you'd have—no more. And yet perhaps your name might

————————————————

go a little way and live a brief, a very brief period Your death might reach where once had been your home. Your friends (They're few) might offer a short prayer for you and it may be some would drop a tear but the things of life ~~shall~~ would creep on and you would be forgotten. days would continue to move as before, and laughter and song would be heard in the room where you had lived and talked and wiled away so many happy hours. And the eye (if any) that had mourned for you would be dried and animated with joy.

————————————————

In a waggon

At Col Gatewood's

12 miles from Hunterv^l

Octr 1^st '61

Waiting for the train of waggons to start for—I dont know where, some say Warm Springs, others Hot Springs & others again Staunton, while some have it Bath Alum Springs. All I know is I was sent for to Capt Gammon's yesterday about ten A.M. I bustled around bid the kind Cap^t good bye and after waiting a long time as usual in military movements in this part of the world I finally got off, and reached here about dark last evening I went across to Col Ga

————————————————

To get some place to sleep having the rheumatism and not having any thing to keep me from the wet earth I was obliged to look for some place, and never shall I forget the kindness I rec^d a good supper a good bed and a good breakfast with a snack put in my haversack. I dont know which acted with the greatest kindness the Col or his lady.

————————————————

Hospital

(late hotel)

at Bath Alum Springs

Oct 3^d '61.

Reached Warm Springs night before last (twenty five miles south of Huntersville) and met several of our boys who I was happy to find much improved. They treated all who came along sick very kindly indeed and made some of our party take their mattresses while they themselves lay on the floor.

Yesterday morning we started in the rain for this place (five miles south of Warm Springs) reaching here about ten or eleven o'clock from which time

————————————————

until six in the evening it took the persons in charge to get us something to eat—bread, coffey and bacon. This morning we got breakfast (the same as supper) at ten o'clock A.M. fashionable hour, eh!

There is nothing remarkable about either springs.

Except the want of delicacies.

Bath Alum Springs.

Friday Oct 4^th 1861.

St[?] strange—how very strange does fortune act towards me, one day she has me huddled in the corner of an outhouse without any covering but my blanket or without any one to see whether or not I had ~~anything to eat or~~ even a drink of water, an

————————————————

other time I am lying in the road side on a bleak and dreary mountain listening to the distant river, which I had not strength to reach, but for a drink if which I'd give years of my life. and next day I am taken put to bed (a place the appearance of which I had almost forgotten) and by a man who was almost as sick as I, but who would insist and did cook for and wait on me. And to day I find a man so much my friend that he breaks a rule made by himself for a public institution in order to show me and do me sympathy and kind acts.

The physician of the place

————————————————

D^r Crump—took me in his private room this morning gave me every assurance of that I should go to Richmond though none others are allowed that privilege, had my clothes sent to be washed by his own servant gave me fruit intended for his own use, and many other things which none other receive (though his first rule was to treat all alike)

How to thank him for all these favours and kindnesses I would not know, how to show my gratitude, I may find some occasion. I can at least pray for him, if I ever get good enough.

————————————————

Bath Alum Springs.

Oct 5^th '61.

Still weak, very weak indeed, and without any immediate prospect of improvement. One thing which keeps me back here, there are not any vegetables.

I wrote to day to M^rs Davis and Casson.

Bath Alum Springs

Oct 6^th '61.

Sunday—for once I have got a quiet corner on this quiet and holy day and here I can ly and watch the leaves fall, and muse and reflect though this may cost me dear. but there is

————————————————

a fascination in thinking of the past, so powerful to me that though I always suffer when I indulge in retrospective musings, yet I cannot control my mind or resist the temptation

How slowly, how mournfully they fall; like me, but a little while has passed since they were full of life and health and the sunlight shone around them joyously. And friends were near who spoke to them in their sweet rustling language all day long And now like them I sink lower and lower, perhaps like them to go friendless to a grave amid these hills. They are light and withered

————————————————

Yet O how heavily they fall on my heart—they mark the days I stay behind, or count the hopes, so fondly so dearly cherished, now blighted and dead as they.

The last, the dearest, may be not truly dead but is sinking fast.

When lying under the effects of a fierce and unpitying disease which for a time dethroned my reason, I was handed on the 16^th of Sept a letter from home! I mean from Baltimore, and in the handwriting of a lady O! God what a struggle I made both physically and mentally first to

————————————————

crawl (I could not walk) to a light in order as I thought to devour the language of friendship of encouragement of love of consolation and hope with which as I fondly thought the note was composed.

And secondly to struggle against the fearful recoil of disappointed hopes, for O how formal, how cold and indifferent and too after the many long and earnest letters I sent her Ye gods it was enough, and did so doubly increase the fearful sufferings that ~~afterward~~ followed.

————————————————

But I am too feeble to pursue this further and must leave off.

I am receiving many acts of kindness from the friend I have already mentioned since I came here D^r C who takes a great interest in me. I dont know why it cannot be because I am from Balt^o (though he has a great regard for those from that unfortunate city who are here of which there are some twenty five) without it is that I have been so helpless. All I know is that he comes to my room very often to chat with me get me to play on any

————————————————

violin (opened half round and with three bad strings) he is going to send me out riding on his horse ~~riding~~ he has offered me a horse at his house and on a word does every thing in his power to make me less prostrate and unhappy. Have been living on hotel board ~~one week~~ to for some time I being too sick to eat the hospital fare, and though we pay seven dollars per week for meals alone ( or at least promise to pay) the table is very poor indeed sometimes the butter is short then again the potatoes have just run out next we have meat so tough it

————————————————

is almost crucifying to eat it then there is no cream—"the cows did not come up", or when they do they cross the creek (and of course the milk is watered.)

But I get along tolerably notwithstanding for the superintendent (M^r Wood) imagines I am going to take his likeness and also (being very fond of music) is all desire to hear me play often on the violin both of which desires makes him far more attentive to me than he otherwise would.

————————————————

"Bath Alum" Springs

Sunday Oc^t 20^th 1861 a.m.

About half a mile from the hotel with Baron Scott & others of our company who came down to get chestnuts (they are cutting the tree down in order to get the "fruit".

It is a lovely morning but not more beautiful than the scene made partly so by the season the woods all around as far as the eye can reach presenting a magnificent appearance from the millions of tents & hues which cover the dying leaves while the distant roar of the cannon throws an enchantment of quietude and sadness around the whole which accords so well with my sinking spirits and the gloomy melancholy which ever haunts my lonely hours. D^r Crump proposed last evening he and myself should go out riding this afternoon to get a look from the point from which he wants his pictures of Warm Springs and this place taken.

Have not heard from M^rs Davis though it is fifteen days since I wrote to her. I wrote to Hagerty two days ago and to Neill about a

————————————————

a week ago.

I am fixed very comfortably as far as sleeping is concerned. There are three others and myself sleep in two beds in a large room which we have cleaned out every morning by a black man who also makes our fires and waits on us generally.

My room mates are J Selby and Clarence Neal both of our Company and a young fellow named J. Walk Coleman from Alabama who together with Selby perform all the apothecary business

————————————————

for the hospital.

Bath Alum Spr

October 25^th 1861

The landscape is covered this morning with a very heavy frost having the appearance of snow. Life gets each day more dull and wearisome. The only thing causing any degree of excitement or interest being the arrival of the stage from Warm Springs or Milbro which occasionally bring letters for those here which of course are always highly prized, more especially when from home

————————————————

by the way it is a striking illustration of the fearful condition of the country to see the length of time ~~these~~ some of these letters have been on their way. This morning a member of our room received a letter from Balt^o written on the 16^th July!

Bath Alum Springs

Sunday October 27^th 1861.

Received a letter from M^rs D. on Friday—she kindly invited me to call when I get to Richmond.

She has not heard from Balt^o since I saw her last (in June) and says she is sometimes almost crazy when

————————————————

she thinks of all her friends being in that unfortunate city. She expresses a great desire to hear of Walker Gooden—poor Walker he must 'ere this have suffered fearfully if he did not get a discharge before leaving Harper's Ferry.

He like many others who in the ardour of the moment enrolled in a service for which they were utterly unsuited, and who will for their imprudence carry home with them a broken constitution the wreck of their former selves.

Our Company is growing

————————————————

beautifully less. Buck went to Richmond and swears he will never again come to this wilderness Tiffany has got a commission in a Company near Winchester. Strand is reported to Maryland on special business, Carusic and M^cGee have got discharged while Courtney Jenkins who went to Richmond with the dead body of his cousin remain with several others without definitely asserting what they intend to do. There are too many here who are very anxious to get to Richmond for what I do not pretend to say.

————————————————

The morning is beautiful and the steps of the main and wing buildings which form the hotel of Bath Alum Springs are covered with soldiers well enough to get in the sun's rays.

There has been very few deaths here since I came for the number of sick under treatment.

The news from headquarters is rather stirring. Floyd is advancing on Kentucky, Lee remains in "Meadow" Mountain while Loring returns to Valley Mountain from which he is to advance to Grafton. (!)

————————————————

This is the news! I know not further.

Bath Alum Sprgs

Friday Nov^r 1^st 1861.

This place is growing very dull indeed the movements of our army in the Northwest being necessarily slow from the nature of this fearful road and mountains over which our men march and countermarch. They say however a battle is inevitable.

As for myself I spend the time most miserably dull The only way in which I can keep my mind from the dreaded reflection of my situation is to engage it in making pipes sketching the faces of persons around

————————————————

the hotel or listening to the "outlandish slang" of some of the first families of the state. A specimen—In speaking to a young lady (for there are, even in this wilderness, a few of the fair (!) sex) a short time since she told me that when she saw me coming towards the house she fancied I was one of the Yankies and in her terror "clum" up in a tree. she said "waal she was never so skared since the Yankies had "done gone" and burned Widow Hugin's house. but "you all" (meaning myself singly) warnt here then"

————————————————

Bath Alum Springs

Sunday Nov^r 3^d '61.

There is a great change in the weather within the last few days: cold biting winds, moaning through the now almost leafless trees with heavy storm clouds hurrying in threatening aspect over this fast decaying scene. The soiled and broken ornaments which formerly embellished and beautified the buildings here accord alas! too faithfully with the scene of death around. The music of the ~~warblers of the~~ forest is replaced by the angry roar of the swollen rivers;

————————————————

The cheerful merry laugh of the country maiden by the sad, sad moan of the sick and dying soldiers; while the leaves which fluttered for a season in all their gaudy hues, and man who in his day dreams of bright hope trod life's stage with proud and courtly mien, now fall together ~~and shou~~ now sink unheeded in the same grove.

All this we see by day. The nights are those on which people some say fiends hold their revelries. Clouds of Egyptian blackness rise in giant shapes between the rock-caped mountains whose

————————————————

puffed outline glares through the nacked trees whose whitening trunks and limbs look like the spectres of the unknelled, unmourned dead who ly beneath.

While the dreary wintry ~~howl of the~~ wind moans a perpetual requiem over their unknown graves.

x x x x x x

Have long contemplated writing to But have as often thought of the difficulties in the way—the fact of my being in a wilderness from which there is hardly a chance of sending letters to Baltimore, and even if there were, the impossibility of answering

————————————————

her solitary note satisfactorily. I might say 'tis true how very thankful, grateful indeed I was for the "miracle" which informed her of a lady coming to Richmond and thereby brought me the only letter I have recd or perhaps the only one I ever will receive from her. Why this should be, or why she cannot find a few more of the many who leave Balt^o for the south I cannot understand but such it seems is the case. Then it is only proper that I should be, as I am most truly, grateful to fortune, most deeply indebted

————————————————

to my good genius for this opportunity which may never come again.

I might say too how deeply I regretted that the letter sent by M^r Bass did not, and now of course is not likely to reach me. The loss of this letter I deeply mourn, more especially as it may have (as it is said to be very long) had some words of encouragement, something which would not be found in the commonest friendly letters, something approaching sincere, deep affection.

To be informed that it would afford her joy

————————————————

to know that I had rec^d it is sufficient to ~~make~~ cause me deeply to regret it's loss.

I might also say how well I could appreciate the horrors of the ~~bloody~~ fearful strife now ~~going on~~ decimating this fair land, as pictured by me. I might too attempt to express my thanks for the desire that I should not share the dangers of this bloody uncompromising contest and to say how sincerely I may pray that a reflection on the dreadful evils which menace us all may not distract that

————————————————

mind so pure.

I might also add my prayers, that her visit to the country would prove beneficial to her health & spirits. Also might I express myself in regard to her friends moving next door and my more intimate acquaintance (since I left Balt^o) with the most important of that family—"Billy". How I overtook him at Winchester on the way to Richmond, how we traveled together as far as the latter place, how we put up at the same hotel for a time and how we very often met, how on such occasions he gave me his views about

————————————————

things in general with much information unsolicited in regards to his family matters, his early and later acquaintance with "the ladies" towards whom he always had a supreme indifference and his treatment of her the very mention of whose name stirred the blood in my veins, but I dare not say a word I had promised her 'ere leaving Baltimore I should not let him know I had her love (?).

(which was perhaps wrong for me to do)

All this I might say and perhaps not interest

————————————————

her any, and the tone of her letter not justifying me in writing as I have heretofore, and on account of my private movement being dangerous to those to whom I might write, I am left without material of interest.

————————————————

Bath Alum

Sunday Nov^r 16^th '61.

Had quite an excitement here since I last wrote. On Wednesday evening a Tennessean named Marshall got his ear nearly severed from his head by the blow of a bowie knife in the hands of a man from the same state named M^c [blank] It appears D^r Crump had a friend of the latter arrested for drunkenness, our second Sergeant (who is sergeant of the post) performing the duty for which the individual vowed vengeance, and on the day mentioned with his friend M^c got their

————————————————

courage screwed up with whiskey for the purpose of killing the doctor and sergeant Barns, but providentially they partook too freely, and by their foolish and noisy acts made known these designs. but effecting their arrest poor M who volunteered for the purpose got cut as stated, perhaps mortally.

Otherwise there is not anything of interest here.

The news from Savannah is very distressing. We can however turn to [blank] where Pillow has completely routed the

————————————————

Yankies.

There has been a thousand and one rumors in regard to the movement of our regiment. it appears from Lieut. Randolphs report who is just down this morning that the regiment which was under orders to march towards Staunton is now ordered to the Kanawha valley.

————————————————

Bath Alum Spgs

Nov^r 14^th 61

James Selby and myself went to Warm Sprg^s day before yesterday and had quite a pleasant time we rode there I being furnished a horse by my friend the D^r for the purpose of going to the top of the m^t between here and the above place to get a look at the view presented from that point, and which by the way is one of perhaps the most magnificent I have ever looked upon. to the west and away down in the valley is "Warm Springs" with its yellow paint

————————————————

and its multitude of bath and other smaller buildings flanked by a very neat little brick church while scattering dwellings mark the road in a south westerly direction to "Germantown", a village about a quarter of a mile distant.

This with a back ground of very beautiful mountains, one of them an exact likeness in its face of a stony ocean having wave shaped ridges running parallel commencing at the base swelling toward the centre and dying off again at the top—forms a picture of rare beauty.

————————————————

Turning eastward the scene baffles description mountain on top of mt rise in misty loveliness and mix with light clouds to form the extreme back ground while closer rears the bold outline of the "House" and other mountains, and still nearer and down, far down below is the valley of Bath Alum Springs.

Bath Alum Springs

Friday Nov^r 22^d 1861

I have been engaged since last writing in prepairing and attending to my discharge which D^r Crump advised me to have, telling me it

————————————————

would cost me my life to insist on performing military duty.

I have now obtained my release and shall leave for Richmond on Monday if my friend the Doctor, who has gone home (Charlottesville) and thence to the capital, shall return. There has not been any thing of interest going on here since last writing with the exception of a singular banking operation. thus an individual in the Lees Rangers, formerly from the North, had been in the habit of stealing

————————————————

almost every thing of value on which he could lay his hands, the last "haul" being some fourteen dollars in paper money. the theft was discovered soon after its committal and our dear friend the Doctor was summoned, whose clear head and inventive genius suggested to him a means of recovering the booty. Finding the money was deposited for safe keeping in his stomach (a novel bank) he set to work and with Ipecac & other agents chequed and obtained the amount desired the paying teller however

————————————————

refused specie payment or indeed any other than the money deposited and even that was paid over with reluctance, ~~with~~ the thief with Yankie propensity paying the small bills first, bringing out the "X" last considerably coloured it is true.

John Case received a letter from Balt^o on last night from Bob Freeman who has just returned from Richmond. in it he says some of his folks intend coming to our capital having heard that he was sick there. More strange

————————————————

he is told Miss Kate Fushacker is also coming to Richmond (!)

I may have the pleasure of visiting her there.

I must now leave off having several letters to write and preparations to make preparatory to my departure.

Milbr^o

Nov^r 29^th 61 5 p.m.

Reached here through mud and rain from Bath Alum about an hour ago and now waiting for the train to Staunton. Lieut Hoffman Sarg^t Cassady Williams and others are here on guard

————————————————

Staunton V^a

Nov 29 10 p.m.

From Milborough got supper—oysters—in a room having five beds, some of them double. I having mentioned D^r Crumps name, have got a bed to myself. There is a very large crowd here.

The scenery between here and Milborough is very fine

I cou

————————————————

Gordonsville

Nov 30^th 61 1 p.m.

Here for the third time how different from my first passage through, and very different indeed the emotions felt on my second and now! Then pictures of glory, fame victories over the detested Yankies floated in glowing colors through my mind and without an idea scarcely of the sufferings men can bear, and still survive. Now! 'tis true I have a most comfortable home at my command with all the conveniences wealth and a beautiful country villa can afford, but

————————————————

then, I cannot do anything for the cause, and yet be isolated from home! I mean from those I love.

Richmond, V^a

Dec^r 5^th '61

Have been here since Satrdy but in all that time have not had a moments leisure. This morning went to my friends M^rs Davis who received me most kindly and gave me the glad ? yet sad news, that in a letter from "Sis" she was told that dear M—was almost crazy from having heard I was dying in R—d Oh! God that all my

————————————————

precautions should not have prevented that news from reaching her.

But even this was not bad enough. a rumour also reached Balt^o that I was killed at Manassas. Oh! merciful Father spare oh! spare her gentle heart!

I wrote to John some time ago, sent it by Selby (2 days ago) and to M—e to day enclosing my note (a short one) in M^rs D's letter to "Sis".

Things are very dull in R—d and I am very glad I am about to leave it (on Satrdy) I have met nearly all the boys Tiffany, Crise, Forseth, Ferayth, Smyth, Shackleford Buck Rogers &c. The weather is

————————————————

very fine though the snow of four or five days ago is still in shady places.

————————————————

"Rose Cottage"

near Greenwood

Albemarle Co

Sunday Decbr 8^th '61,

"At home" and alone M^rs D^r C and nephew have gone to church and I declining on account of my appearance and left as she termed it at home by myself. The doctor who was to be here yesterday has not come, and I understand from his lady will not be before the 20^th. This is a very retired place for such a wealthy tract of country. there are I suppose some dozen houses within a circuit of two or 3 miles and no two together.

————————————————

The dwellings are built entirely for comfort which seems to be the object most essential in every thing else, even to ladies dresses and this is certainly saying much for their good taste and something to their credit.

The country is formed of undulating hills bounded on the north by the "Blue Ridge" nearly ten miles distant.

I arrived at the depot yesterday afternoon and was taken within a short distance of the house by a M^r Timberlake who drove a very fine team and lives in a ~~very~~ handsome

————————————————

house about half a mile (in an air line) from here I was received both kindly and courteously.

Saturday Dec^r 14^th 1861.

My pleasant and comfortable home was too much for my fickle fortune, so I am to be annoyed in some way, a very effectual way: by my loosing money I had to pay my hotel bill at Bath Alum. I do not accuse any person of stealing but I feel confident I could not have dropped the amount from my pocket book, since a few of the bills which formed a portion of one role (containing all the money I have lost) are still in my purse. Well—

————————————————

The morning is truly beautiful, scarcely a breath of air stirring, and the sun beaming in all his splendor. outdoors is more agreeable and pleasant than even a neatly furnished room and I am writing on the porch. So far I have not done anything but "hang around", sometimes reading and writing a little. I have not even redeemed one of my many promises to visit the kind people in the neighbourhood. The doctor however may be home next week, when he will I hope find me something to do.

Tuesday 17^th

Disappointed—every body is disappointed. M^rs D^r C. went to the depot this morning to meet a younger sister who didn't come on the down

————————————————

train. for my kind hostess I am sorry, for she has quite a lonely time. she is much disappointed, so am I (agreeably) though if she is any thing like her amiable and accomplished sister, she is indeed agreeable and interesting, but then the long, long quiet hours I have for reflection, for stealing in "fancy" to where heaven divided me from all I now live for—these moments, though painful, are too full of bliss to barter for the company of a gilded butterfly.

Commenced portrait of M^rs D^r C. crayon, from ambrotype.—difficult.—the weather is strangely fine to day is as warm as June I am sitting on the porch parlor and other doors open.

————————————————

Greenwood Albemarle County

Dec^r21^st 1861.

Had a very pleasant time yesterday at M^r Ja^s Bowens whose wealth and the beauty of his place is only exceeded by the kindness of himself and lady. There is also there two young ladies Misses Funsten (?) very amiable, very intelligent and exceeding sociable. The eldest Miss Louisa showed me a large number of Yankee letters and a picture taken by her father D^r Funsten (who in marrying Miss Bowen gave Louisa a stepmother) near Romney. the letters are indeed curiosities their envelopes being covered in nearly every case with abolition sentiments

————————————————

expressed in drawing. The goddess of vengeance rising from burning Sumter, sign posts with "On to Richmond" &c. drank some delicious wine made by my most kind hostess from the pure juice of the grape, but very strong and of a beautiful color. I had to promise to come again—often—stay all night &c.

On Thursday the long expected Miss Ellen Goode arrived conversational powers very fine, medium size very black hair worn plain, face inclined to the round, small pointed chin rather short nose and rather elevated at points, don't know her yet however. letter yesterday from Ja^s Selby, going to Manassas.

————————————————

Greenwood

Dec^r 25^th '61.

Christmas

Ay, Christmas that used to be, to day is so only in its reviewing memories of pleasures and joys that have passed away.

No egg nogg until tonight, the doctor & myself invited to M^rs Hansborough tomorrow evening and next day (Friday) to Farro's to dinner.

Spent a very pleasant evening at M^r Ja^s Bowens night before last tea in M^r B's room hot cake rolls, small tables for each, blowing hurricane, remained all night. house very large very fine, but trembled, ship

————————————————

in storm—to do some writing for him after Christmas.

Tuesday Dec^r 31^st 1861.

Christmas gone, holidays gone, 1861 gone—

Spent a very pleasant evening at M^r J Bowen's on Saturday had a wedding of "Color" after which party of uncoloured. Miss Mary E. & Miss Jullie B with the Misses Louisa & Mary Funsten were to me very pleasant and attentive, anxious very anxious for name lady which they knew in Balt^o &c

1852 [sic]

Greenwood, Albemarle Cty

Sunday Jan^y 5—1852[sic]—9 p.m.

Returned from M^r Tho^s Bowens where the doctor & self spent evening, calling at M^r Ja^s B's on our way, his daughter M^rs Funsten pleasant

————————————————

Miss Louisa as [?] as ever. at M^r T. B's had a very pleasant time. found M^r W there, a seven years lover (!) who has not in all that long time been "spunky" enough to tell the old gent he was after his daughter. and the hair has fallen off his head in the desperate and long struggle to say parson to the lady. Her sister Julie very interesting. The night is fearful hail & sleet falling fast, road one sheet ice.

Went to write for M^r JB on Thursday Jan'y 2^d

————————————————

Jany 27^th Greenwood

Albemarle

V^a

Since last writing here have had every variety of weather from warm & beautiful days, thunder storms &c to the most dreary snowstorms.

finished writing for M^r JB on Saturday after which went M^rs Garrett's, invited day before, ladies there. plays with much taste on piano, thence M^r T Bowen's, treated with much attentions by the ladies, thence next morning to Ja^s B's where I spent day very pleasantly going with Louisa Funsten on horseback to church, and listening, after our arrival home, to a very eccentric preacher named Watt

————————————————

with whom Miss Louisa & myself had some arguments during the afternoon & evening ~~subject~~ conversation turning on astronomy but we knew how fond of argument he is, forgot all about our difference soon, but I was astonished and provoked to laughter (smothered of course) to hear him allude to it in making a prayer before the retiring of the family—novel style of praying, eh!

That cunts a "shure enough" rabbit &c Virginia vulg

————————————————

"Rose Cottage"

Albemarle County V^a

Febry 10^th

Two weeks more of complete inaction, two weeks nearer the end of a worthless life. two weeks spent in idle reading, or more idle visits to the kind people of the neighbourhood. idle—not because the people are kind!—but because they are not lovers of natures art or foolishly fond of music, because they know most and talk most of their neighbourhood and its inhabitants, of the desperate perseverance of some old widdower to gain the estate if not the affections of some as old a widdow and tell of the curious

————————————————

saying and manner of some of the eccentric families around, such as saying grace over a waiter when having "ten handed", or having a very large family (!!) and then ~~naming~~ giving them ill names beginning and ending with the same letter. thus Vermelia, Vianna, Verbilina &c &c for God knows how many. Health still miserable. not a very pleasant gent at M^r J B's this morning a M^r Blane, father of a Mary Blane but I presume not the Mary Blane about whom the song was written, since this lady is white.

He is a preacher of fair talents

————————————————

and I understand a farmer of small calibre.

The D^r is very little at home—extensive practice—

Would labor for health or Peace.

Greenwood Albe. Co., V^a

9 p.m. Pouring down rain to (tighten/brace) the sails of the new ship "Southern Confederacy" launched to day in Richmond Oh! may the storms which now lash the ocean around be soon passed and the noble vessel gain the open sea.

dark dark indeed is the horizon Forts Henry & Donelson, Roanoke Island and Mill Spring (Crittenden & Zollicoffer) all lost—but valuable lessons if properly taken, life useless, ride to [faded]

————————————————

nearly every afternoon for news balance day, read or lounge about home—miserable—of course no word from home. as soon as entirely well go Manassas or S.C.

Tuesday Febry 26^th 62

1 o'clock A.M.

The D^r & myself just back from wedding at M^rs Smith's, Miss Wallace to D^r Rhodes, bride pretty, groom a widdower, company thirty perhaps, three or four with ordinary entertaining powers, the balance—oh!—Ice cream & cake good, turkey better, after waiting a

————————————————

long time found out there had not any workman been engaged to tie the not. Sent for the man of every hurried occasion and mishap, M^r Davis who after a period of intense suspense arrived hatless, having in the dark rode into a huge hole loosening his "tile"—

Some attempts at music [?] &c sang by a long unused piano accompaniment—horror!—

————————————————

"Greenwood"

Albemarle County

Wednesday March 12^th 1862

Life here is too monotonous to afford material for even a weekly entry in "Diary". And the reflections which ever start in my mind, of home and friends, I either smother or leave unwritten.

x x x x

One little victory—in a series of blundering reverses the Iron Battery "Virginia" (late Merrimac) with a few gun boats is reported destroy'd U.S. frigates "Congress" (poor Miss Cook) Minnesota & Cumberland

The roads present animated scene—men liable draft

————————————————

others, certificates rushing to Charlottesville, certificates the most numerous.

I have written Gooden regard my joining Artillery hope soon hear him.

"Greenwood"

March 19^th '62. Sick, body

& soul—nothing importance. Dreamt Dear Mollie night before last, strange, indistinctly recollect seeing her at certain place, something in way, subsequently she & Lizzie came where I was, coat off, wonder if incident occur her, on Patrick's Way

————————————————

"Greenwood" V^a

April 16^th '62.

Nearly a month since wrote in "diary" life entirely monotonous! health bad, only less miserable than my feelings. Have went one visit J. C. Bowens Miss Bell Vass the Misses Bowens & cousins all very pleasant, "mighty" pleased with my music, remained to one in the morning, begged me to come again. A great bustle in our cooking department D^r invited wounded and other soldiers to "Squirrel stew".

This is what is going on around, but this is not what interests me. Thoughts, deep burning thoughts of all I live for—of—

April 17^th How beautiful is the morning, the long lines of the spider's railroads flashing in sunlight show

————————————————

how gentle is the breeze which move, opening leaves; from the woods around comes a tide of sounds, while at my feet the grass in a garb of dewy pearls is as fresh and green as the memory of the absent—But I forget—And yet but two or three shirt days and we had snow, and maybe as many hence and it may come again. Some one has likened the usual sunshine & showers of this month to the smiles & tears of beauty—would that the resemblance ended here would that the sunshine and flowers of hope and faith, followed by the icy breath of winter, did not find a too faithful counterpart in the hearts of those we may have fondly trusted.

"Shiloh" is fought, and victory claimed by both parties—

————————————————

Greenwood V^a

(Easter Sunday) April 20^th

Dismal and dark the day! More black & gloomy the prospects of the good people of this neighbourhood. Jackson it is said has fallen back from Harrisonburg to form a junction with Ewel at Gordonsville or vicinity and the road to Staunton and thence to this county is open to the enemy, who are expected at any time, and what a change has come over the spirits of the speculators' and traders' dreams. Salt, corn, horses &c could not be had for an approach to reasonable terms a few days ago. to day some would almost give such away. If this was all, I could rejoice, but alas, the

————————————————

patriot and open hearted the kind and charitable suffer also. The D^r has commenced to pack up some few of his valuables preparatory to leaving his home.

Many will remain. they could not think of leaving any portion of their property, nor could they afford to destroy a dollars worth! (I hope the enemy may take all if some of our people should not destroy everything). As for 'self, why I shall push for Rich^d, and arrange for again trying the Army (Artillery) though I can not hope my health to stand exposure. Wonder what is going on in Dear old Balt^o—Generally, great for observing this day, Easter Sunday, or

————————————————

what my (?) dearest M—is doing, of what she is thinking—but this is forbidden, in mercy to to my feelings.

Sunday April 27^th 1862

The alarm is again sounded: for a few days the people had recovered partly from the panic of a week ago. why they did so, I cannot say, perhaps because the enemy did not come at that particular day or hour. This afternoon however Major Funsten arrived from Jackson's army telling the people here that there was as much cause for alarm now as at any time previously, which (without these good people held in to the absurd notion that "One Southerner is as

————————————————

good as five Yankies"—or without they looked for the ground to open and swallow Banks or some other little miracle) a moments reflection might have told them would certainly be so.

To day I have spent like many others, most unprofitably. Trying my deer skin blanket on the grass. The Crescent City is reported in the hands of the enemy.

M^cClellan still on Peninsula & "no fight yet". What to do for my health God only knows—dont eat any rich meats or hot bread, but brown stale bread drink buttermilk, Rye coffee and sassafras tea. Yet still I am in a bad condition, would to God for some change and would o would for news from home. To night are they thinking

————————————————

of me?....

Greenwood V^a

Sunday May 4^th 1862 11 o'clock a.m.

"The cry is still they come" Another "panic" caused yesterday afternoon, report Jackson falling, Beecham's River. This morning he is said to move to Staunton. "Trap" for Banks—eh?—well. The weather is favourable for military movements, fight no doubt. At Corinth too perhaps.

Tuesday Morning. Sunday afternoon Brady & Ratcliffe called to see D^r C later Barns, Thompson & Wall. Reported destruction of Norfolk. Falling back from Yorktown of our forces and victory of Beauregard Corinth.

"Play fiddle & beat the bucket"

Negro [?]

————————————————

Greenwood

Albemarle County V^a

(Sunday) May 18^th 1862. Morning clear again after three days incessant rain. Three days marked, no events importance besides opening attack gunboats on "Drury's bluff" (James R.) and resolve that Richmond must not fall. But how little the preparation made for its defense! oh—shame, another edition Fort Henry, Donaldson, Roanoke, [?], and crowning shame of New Orleans.

And too, Norfolk, given up at the time when all destroyed, nothing taken away, finished off by destroying the greatest success of naval architecture the world has ever seen, while too she might have ran the gauntlet on Fortress Monroe and opened every

————————————————

blockaded port in the South.

Well! perhaps—cannot see into the mysteries of war.

Another refugee came here M^r Scruggs where is Dickens? from Warrenton, Editor, fond of "tea". Brass, talk, merciful heaven, deliver me—

Tuesday May 19^th 62

Like, my sad soul, all around outdoors is cold, cloudy, dark and unhappy, very different indoors. Oh, why, why am I here! a speck of lichen & dead leaves in a festal wreath! Oh in thy pity God raise up but for one moment the veil impenetrable that hides from me all. I live for ano yet why oh why is it others see while I am blind?

————————————————

Why is that others who think but little of those they've left should often hear from home, while I—while I hear not at all? Gracious Father such life as this cannot, may not be.

Friday May 23^d 1862, noon

Another Marylander left here morning for camp D^r Burns Surgeon of Ashby's Command, accomplished, very pleasing in manner but unfortunately very deaf. has been through Mexican war & left Maryland at beginning of this ~~war~~ purpose, joining the Army Virginia he says great many

————————————————

Marylanders in his Com^d one entire company Cap Davis and that they receive almost regularly letters from Balt^o!—

Wed May 28^th '62.

At M^r W^m Smith's waiting for son Ned who went spend day, he leaves on Monday to rejoin his company. I on Friday to find a new company. first go to Richmond, from thence to Jackson, whom it is said is pushing for dear old Maryland. (Oh! may it be so) at all events he (Stonewall) is "playing hob", with their seven thousand captured, commissary Quartermaster's & Ordinance store all abandoned by Yankies. Skirmishing continues at

————————————————

Rich^d. General engagement supposed going on to day.

Greenwood Albemarle

June 5^th '62 (afternoon) 1862. Cannot I get away from here! I have been "going" for more than week but something prevents me on each attempt from being "gone" Rain, want of horses, want of boots, influence of friends, and a host of other obstacles. True, I was nearly "gone" yesterday, but not in the desired direction, and still less desired manner. Have been aiming to reach Richmond by "Packet" on James River but a friendly little creek which I'm in the habit of crossing very often took it into its head to get

————————————————

most turbulent and to swell to a ~~most~~ prodigious size yesterday morning and as I attempted to cross it for the last time previous to my departure it caught me horse & all in its affectionate embrace, and carried me some distance, and I finally reached terra firma minus the saddle, so instead of going down James on a boat I went down the on horse back.

————————————————

Scottsville V^a

June 7^th (Saturday) 1862. In porch of the "Albemarle House" (proprietor Bowles) not being able to go in packet to R—d as I expected, consequence break in canal. How pleasant time last evening at M^r Shultz, met D McPherson's Lieut Pollock & others, paroled prisoners from Roanoke Island. There are also here many wounded from recent battles near Richmond. on Saturday and Sunday—reached here yesterday afternoon, after riding from Greenwood bone of Blue Ridge and here I am on the famed old James the "Noble James"

————————————————

Scottsville (Fluvanna side)

Monday June 9^th 1862

My birthday! ah! how celebrated! with wounded all round ~~ones~~ from the bloody fight of 1^st June and day preceding. some one wound some four, some one hole some eight. Oh! curses, savage, relentless war. when will your victims be complete? like the leaves of the finest have not our braves fallen, while genius and worth lie mangled in rotting heaps, stenching the sulphrous atmosphere around and too in the valley. oh, who can fill our glorious Ashby's place! how can we mourn his loss?

On "Locust Hill" overlooking the now calm waters of the James and the "town" of Scottsville

————————————————

about five hundred inhabitants

Situated on the banks of river Albemarle side canal cutting off some few houses flour mill woolen factory &c. westward range of low mts about six or seven miles off Blue Ridge in faint outline behind. pleasant time here, ladies, strawberries &c

Scottsville Wednesday 11^th

Another victory claimed for "Stonewall" & Ewel on the Shenandoah & South rivers. on Sunday Shields attacked Jackson who repulsed, same day Fremont was completely routed by Ewell, so says Sherman's dispatch. Well this is a "gay time"—no means of getting to my

————————————————

between chicken coops boxes of eggs poultry of almost every description butter, passengers black and white, all crowded in one heterogeneous pile I was faced with the danger of at any time being shoved overboard or stumbling into a crate of eggs which would have been almost as dangerous for "eggs are eggs" Now, not to speak of the ire of a little snub nosed hustler who ~~watched~~ stood guard over them. Then who had that infernal horn reminding one of our old Kalythumpion serenades then we had

————————————————

an awful collision as the packet would strike on the "lock" tumbling darkies and whites, butter & chickens in every direction sending the man with snub nose ~~reminded of his own children~~ into a firkin of butter, and a fat old lady (there is always a fat old lady travelling) into the arms of a nervous little man with "specks" breaking the poultry coops leaving the frightened chickens to fly in every direction. some pursued by the negroes along "toe path" while others made their way to "cabin" to the horror of two

————————————————

young ladies who could not bear chickens, who despised the nasty things (a dislike which I certainly thought they had overcome a few hours afterwards when I met them at dinner table) Then there was the cry of "Bridge" which seemed to be synonymous with Oh Let us pray of a Methodist pr for in the instant there was a general squatting, "heads and points" "every which way" Then we'd have another collision, then, why then it would all be gone over. But enough. I at last found myself and baggage

————————————————

at Packet office where I left the latter and took with me in its place a severe spell of sickness and finally "brought up" here, the late residence of John Minor Botts, now occupied by my friend M^rs D. And where I have been confined to bed for two days—pleasant eh?

Thursday July 4^th 1862

Early morning cool or rather cold, woke up feeling very bad, got down stairs hoping to hear a final and general attack on enemy before reinforcements, which 'tis said he is having sent him should reach this has

————————————————

been a most singularly conducted battle or perhaps battles, for the forces have now been engaged eight days. oh God, for a complete rout of the enemy to day. Received note from M e, 2 days before yesterday evening and answered next day. date 21^st June. Health still miserable. Expect to join Cavelry soon.

Monday July 14^th 62

Still too unwell for service and thoroughly tired of this unprofitable life. And yet people around pleasant and friendly M^rs D most kind & attentive. She has converted his house into a hospital. I

————————————————

might almost say, for sick & wounded soldiers of which there are a most distressing number in town, affect of late battles now terminated in glorious victory to our arms. the case made of the Yankie papers and the Yankie disputed of M^cClellan to the contrary notwithstanding.

July 22^nd '62.

My "Diary" has ceased to be anything like a diary. Why I know not, without it is that not having any duties to attend to ~~and~~ my mind being entirely unoccupied. both body and mind have grown too

————————————————

feeble for the effort of daily writing. True I think, think long and earnestly, but have not the energy to transfer my musings to paper. Nothing going on of importance. Curtis has escaped from Hindman. Murfreesborough Ten has been retaken by Confederates &c and this is all we hear. And about home, M^rs D's company of visitors is rather dull. We sometimes have music, classic, tooo "the old sow" "The sea crab" and other fine productions by Du Laney Brewin, a good fellow. this we have and nothing more. the characters I shall describe at some better time

————————————————

Richmond V^a

Wedⁿ August 13^th '62.

How light my spirits, how much happier is my poor cheated heart than it has been before for a year. Within the last few days have heard and received two letters from dear M e my kind Father with what joy I tore them open, first turning them over and around, almost doubting my own eyes when they said they were for me. When a constant stream of letters from me for a long year brought back heretofore but a faint, a most faint echo. Yes Sunday 10 ~~July~~ & Monday 11 August, I shall think of in future as among the few days of any thing approaching happiness in my early life. Yet O! how much this happiness was marred

————————————————

by one little sentence—"Pap" has been dangerously ill". Oh! God the thought even of his disease being got but oh! no it will not be. Have another letter ready to send expect it to go tomorrow. Godsend it may reach her.

Health still poor. life dull obliged to play clown very often in order to keep the "Blues" away "cutting up" monkey tricks and talking a great deal of nonsense, not only happens to please some around me but serves to amuse me much by witnessing their mirth. By the way if I mistake not in a former entry said I should at some future time describe the individuals who flourish about here. This is rather a difficult undertaking but I shall attempt

————————————————

it. The first person I shall bring on the stage is the house, a fine brick building painted lead colour with fine portico, double columns. In front is a very neatly laid out patch of flower garden minus the flowers, who have become so perfectly disgusted with their treatment that there wont any of them consent to bloom for no sooner does one make its appearance than it is seized by some of the many admirers of nature (more especially of flowers) found hovering around, of which I may mention seven cows, three horses, four mules and any number of apes (two legged). The second in order is M^r D Sr who admires his delightful home no doubt but his mules still

————————————————

more. he keeps a "livery" is horse agent for Confederate government and when he addresses you looks through his eyebrows then comes his son "a chip of the old block" with the exception that the space occupied in his daddy's mind by mules & horses and niggers is, in his, made up of a most singular impression that he is accomplished, a strong passion for fine feathers with an agreeable disposition when you do all he wishes, and never do anything except he can and will do likewise. But to redeem we have M^rs D, a most kind, charitable, patriotic, intelligent and agreeable person, if any thing

————————————————

in the latter respect perhaps to excess, for she wont quarrel with even her children when they richly deserve a "thrashing". this amiability leads her into some singularly childish fancies and expressions, which in others would be silly but quite pardonable in her case. Next and in strong contrast we have M^rs Lr's a rather ancient machine, newly painted. an empty head with an important air, a poor bony bird with fine feathers, an educated member of a great family somewhere about the important city of Alexandria, and ~~learned~~ accomplished mother of a more ~~learned~~ accomplished daughter ~~but who~~ And who to

————————————————

prove her claim to learning by writes the first person singular with a small I and various other performances equally beautiful and forcible in manners. She is also the mother of lady who is said (by her) to have ~~actually~~ rode in a carriage on one occasion, with a fly net on the horses. think of such magnificence! And last but first, we have Miss L who is smitten by the overpowering eloquence graceful figure and winning ways of the "Green Eyed Vocalist" al^s "Disconsolate" al^s Du Laney Brewin. this is an individual from Alexandria, a soldier laddie, who was wounded at "seven Pines" and now wears a green patch over one of his

————————————————

eyes. this in conjunction with his talent for music (he sings the "Sea Crab" "The old Sow" and other classic productions with great feeling) Suggested to me his first name. His second—that of "Disconsolate", from his sorrowful, melancholy appearance whenever his "Nancy" is absent but this is no longer of frequent occurrence, he follows her, or rather they follow each other so close that where ever Miss "Rizzie" is to be found may also be seen a green patch hovering near.

————————————————

Richmond V^a

Tuesday August 26^th '62.

Called for second time on M^rs Clark last evening had pleasant time. She is very "sweet" indeed, brunette, blue eyes, full of tender softness, forehead slightly receding, chin pointed, nose of rather roman caste and ~~finely~~ formed with head altogether good and finely well balanced on a small but most graceful little figure. She looked last night more far more like school girl than a matron, so young, so confiding, so beautiful, and altogether so perfectly bewitching. And poor creature her husband is a prisoner

————————————————

in Washington!

The people with whom she is boarding (M^r & M^rs Tegen?) are also very pleasant, more of them anon, however.

Under the fear of "Draft" Maryland is pouring her people by hundreds on the shores of the "mother state" to do, what? The Yankees are reported falling back under Pope in the direction of Washⁿ and under Burnside towards Fredericksburg, to gain time no doubt for their new levies!

am almost tired of this life and shall change it soon.

Saturday August 30^th

A perfect calm to precede a storm no doubt. Stonewall & Longstreet ought to be now in a position to destroy Halleck's "Interior Lines"—which he is aiming at no doubt by this time. they either have got in the rear of Pope or completely cut him off from Burnside. Morgan is the hero of another Cavelry dash.

No letter yet from Mollie. By the way there is something strange in her allusions to the letters received from me. In hers of 21^st July '61, (her first) she says, "I sent you a long letter by M^r A. Bass &c" Now in order to send a letter to me by M^r B he must have delivered one to her from me. Then in her next (21^st June 62) is the statement "I sometimes when alone, think that you will never write again on (the) account of the

————————————————

number you have sent, and out of that number, three was received I have not had that pleasure &c". And in a subsequent letter (the 7^th July 62) she says "but of all you have sent, two have been received neither of them for me &c". Again on July 24^th 62 "You may think it strange when I tell you but of one hundred letters that you have sent, two have at last arrived at B, one for my brother and the other to Martha F. &c". Now if M^r B delivered one which he must have done to introduce himself it is very strange if he did not deliver two, for he had that number, but granting he had but one, and the letter which Martha is said to have received

————————————————

certainly makes two, then from a letter of Sis Gooden I know that one of mine dated 20 Oct 61 reached its destination. Now this I think counts three Then in her l^st letter 24^th July she alludes to the pleasure she derived from receiving a letter from me (making four) and get a little further on in the same letter she says two have been recd one for Brother & one to Martha F &c. Singular aint it! Shall ask her to unravel.

————————————————

"Drury's Bluff."

Saturday 6^th Sept 1 p.m.

O for the classic ground where the enemy's iron clads thundered in vain against a few smooth bored guns placed in ordinary earth works, which were then the only feature of strength about this place. Very different however would be the reception ~~that would~~ tendered to any fleet daring enough to now attempt its capture, for in addition to a great number of casemated, there has also an iron plated batteries been added. Moreover the river about one hundred yards below is completely filled up with stakes, rocks, boilers, steamboats, &c the "&c" being not mentionable

————————————————

Had a little romance in coming down, while sketching. had been observed by an individual connected with the boat whose mind was at once filled with horrible visions of bursting boilers blowing up magazines, and other pleasant Yankee tricks in which he believed I must be bent. he at once communicated with officer in command (Lieut Maury) who in a most excited manner advanced to the after gun on which I was carelessly resting, and demanded (not for my passport as he ought to have done) but if I had been sketching! Yes I had been sketching. Had been sketching on the boat!! Yes I had been sketching on the boat. Twas against the rules (?) Yes twas

————————————————

against the rules while eyes & mouth kept time. then rushing forward as if he ~~expected me to~~ had a doubt of my not being an infernal machine of some description & just then about to explode he spoke in whispers to all the "heroes" of the "Hampton" who all made a charge the valiant Maury bringing up the rear. on my purposes carrying off the information that I was sketching for artistic purposes, this capture I presume they did not understand nor knew what to do with for they seemed more suspicious and alarmed than ever, and the little Lieut squeaked from behind his forces and breast work of a huge shirt collar that he hoped I was going on the "Bluff" any how, for he would be compelled to present

————————————————

the matter, as well as myself to the Commandant of the post Capt Lee, and with a very sickly smile added he had no doubt it would be made all right. To which I echoed all right at ~~which~~ this he smiled more sickly than before & vanished.

10 o'clock p.m.

Oh! how indescribably beautiful is the night. The moon like another sun, but without his glare, shines in an unclouded sky so clear, so powerful & so steady, that I am now writing by her light. To add to the impressiveness of the scene, the silence out doors is broken only by a consort of insects and the murmur of the distant James. Indoors, Oh God why is

————————————————

this night so calm and lovely, while storms of such a fearful, harrowing nature desolate the sinking hearts of ~~other~~ poor ~~creatures~~ mortals. On the night air steals from an adjoining apartment the broken sobs from a more broken hearted mother over the dying agonies of a beloved child, whilst a sisters weeping echoes oh how plaintively through this house of gloom.

But is it not, oh is it not infinitely better, that her innocent spirit should now take its departure from a world where all is death. Yes even the brightest flower we cherish will when we love it most ~~leave us~~ be torn from us

————————————————

Thursday Sep 11^th

Oh! merciful Father we own thy power and mercy but spare oh spare thy chastening rod. Again has thy hand fallen most heavily upon us—three days! and little Annie was laid in the grave, to day! Oh Betty dear life loved little orphan friend, you too are gone. oh well indeed did "Aunt Bettie" exclaim in broken agonizing tones, My God! my God what have we to live for.

Saturday 13^th Sep^t

All has resumed their former duties but our feelings, they [?] sad and deeply sorrowing, refuse the balm

————————————————

of outside influence. This morning heard that M^r & M^rs Williams with others has gone to Baltimore how this sounds, to once again speak openly of going to our dear home, to once again feel there is a probability of these homes being relieved from the accursed oppressor.

Sunday 28^th Sep A.M.

"The fortunes of war" is again illustrated. when last wrote our army marching victoriously through Maryland with every prospect of reinforcements from the "fettered" people of state large enough to sweep every obstruction

————————————————

gambols could cheer our saddest moments. Some friend (oh! that sacred word! whose smile or the memory of whose love ~~have~~ made this hill a heaven, all these ay more, everything for which we live ~~for~~ may be and is torn from us, when it is to us most dear. How bright and beautiful the sky, with its interminable blue, how green the leaves fluttering in a balmy breeze, how glad the hearts of those around who (but yesterday it seemed ~~friendly~~ enjoyed these gifts of nature fondly forgetting that they must ~~fade~~ change. And Oh! what a change! The blue is to day replaced by one vast pall of gloom!

————————————————

whilst the leaves, withered, torn and dead, are scattered by the chilly storm now raging pitilessly without, the very raindrops trickling from the nacked branches ~~now~~ seem but tears to weep over blighted loveliness.

But greater yet ~~are some~~ how infinitely greater is the change which takes place in those we call our friends, in our own hearts; ay! in those we perhaps may dearly love and deem well night immutable (?) How full of tenderness was that voice when last I heard! how sad, cold and silent is ~~she now~~ is the echo now!

Sunday October 19^th 62

Well another day of holiday gone with some

————————————————

variety however, after a great deal of skylarking in the morning, had M^rs & M^r Clark up to spend the evening and with them several young ladies amongst them M^rs Aimee Bingford of whom have high opinion. went home with her, rather inclined to be friendly. went to church after supper. fine discourse by M^r Duncan.

Which was however interrupted by a considerable commotion caused by a young lady (Miss Sanders) having a spasm, left church thinking I had seen the last of the affair, not so however, had hardly got home before an indi-

————————————————

vidual came to ask Aunt Bettie for her carriage to take a lady (the same) home. After considerable bustling got the "vehicale" up to door and drove off to rescue, arrived at church "Confederate Bureau" in waiting, who shortly brought forth the reclining form of the indisposed Nancy, finally got her in carriage, and thence to house, into which I had the exquisite felicity of assisting to convey her. think of it to have an angelic head reeling over one arm, and a more graceful leg—I beg pardon lower limb over the other. Enough to bed

————————————————

Corner of Main & 9^th

Rich^d V^a

Sunday Oct 26^th 62.

Have fairly launched once more on life's turbulent ocean without a pilot or landmark save my own experience & judgment. My resources, my good name, my future success, all are to be drawn from my own exertions. Let me then for the sake of her who says she is so ever anxiously praying for my welfare, let me make an effort worthy her, and my own happiness to advance from the mere herd.

Moved here last evening. "Capitol House" Jones proprietor. uncommon

————————————————

name eh?

Second (2^nd) Street

Rich^d V^a Sunday

Nover 9^th '62.

The "Capitol House" wherein I last wrote was so far from being a capital house that I left in a week, from there to M^rs Adams where, in one week my expenses was only forty three dollars (viz one pair boots $30, one pair gloves $3 stolen and board $10) This is quite moderate but as my psaltery is but twenty two dollars & some cents this did not exactly suit me, so here I am "Rooming" with a friend, which term "Rooming" means at least in the present case, I sleeping &

————————————————

remaining as long as you find it convenient in a very small, very cold, and singularly formed room with inclined roof, precisely in the form of the gun boat Ried, and three windows in three different sides, answering for the port holes. Lieut Minor wishes me to make a fine drawing of the above ram and naval battery, and by the bye I think it will not be necessary for me to go beyond our room for sketch. Still not one word from "Home".

————————————————

The Dying Soldier.

The moon rose o'er the battle plain,

And smil'd from her dear throne

Upon the wounded and the slain,

Left bleeding there alone.

A maiden sought that place of death,

And gazing round the scene,

She caught a faintly passing breath

And knelt upon the green.

"Oh! Mary dear, why art thou here"?

Cried one she tended o'er,

"Our friends have fled

Our freedom's dead

It is our home no more.

Then Mary, dearest Mary fly

And leave, oh! leave me here to die.

2 V^r

What still upon the gory ground

This bleak and fearful night?

Fiends hold their revelries around

[torn] horrid for your sight

————————————————

I think a scouting party should go to Williams River to protect the cattle in that quarter their is some 600 cattle in the interior of this county & no settlement west of that unless you go to Nicholas which is 12 miles to first house & I understand that Nicholas is in possession of the enemy

Paul M^cN[?]

[upside down, faded]

————————————————

the road leading from the County of Greenbrier to Nicholas on the line from Panther Camp Creek to Cherry Run River should be guarded to give protection to the citizens & keep them at home and prevent the Northerners from taking a way stock & other valuables

————————————————

[scribbles]

————————————————

~~Oh! fortunatos! si sua bona non norint~~

Partunient montes nascetur et riduculus mus

————————————————

Oh! fortunatos! si sua bona norint.

Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.

————————————————

July 18^th enrout to Staunton

Beautiful sunset—before Charlottesville, so like our prospect bright & glorious far beyond the clouds at our surrounding view

R G Watson

Allens Fresh

Charles Co

M^d

M^rs Hutchison

M^r [?]

Went to Capt Gammon's Thursday 6^th Sep^t 61

Neal & myself went to hotel table (Bath Alum) Saturday morning Oct 12 '61

————————————————

Sundries [faded]

————————————————

How strange &c

DATABASE CONTENT

(15205)

OT0161

Diaries

Tags: African Americans, Battle of Hampton Roads, Battle of Shiloh, Boredom, Camp/Lodging, Clothing, Conscription/Conscripts, Death (Military), Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Illnesses, Low Morale, Marching, Nature, Poetry, Railroads, Recreation, Ships/Boats, Supplies, Weather

SOURCES

Diary, OT0161, Nau Collection

Search form

You are here