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

Saturday 30  Board to day took
from Mr. Jetter some of his labor
and assigned it to the Discount Clerk
-which is right, as he has but little
to do.–Not a word by telegram of
news.  When the cars came in we
had first reports of a battle in
which we had whipped the enemy
at Bristow Station- and the capture
by Stuart of a Rail Road train
with 2000 men in it–Stores to an
immense amt destroyed.  It is said
we are in rear of Pope–I wish it
all may prove true –but I have
little confidence now in any rumors.
We, that is Fanny & Mary I staid
at my brothers with Dr Williams
No letter from Mary, which is very
provoking—wrote to Mary Gwatkins
& to Mary Robertson

MSS 5088