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

Wednesday Dec 1–Weather threatening-but
it cleared up at night & the moon
came out beautifully–Find our
nett earning for the half year 7.65
exclusive of Int on investments, which
would add 3 1/2 or 4 more.  This is the
best we have ever done–Irby told me
he could realise ten cent  on my
tobacco but advises me not to sell yet
-I shall wait a while–Very impor
-tant news–France has proposed to Russia
& England to intervene–the former
gives a milk & water  answer–Ld
John Russell thinks it is not yet
time.  But Napoleon never gives up
an idea and he will compel England
to act with him–The plan is to in
sist on an armistice 6 mos. during
which all operations to cease—and
of course the blockade to be raised–
I nearly believe the war can be ended
only in this way–Burnsides still
at Fredg-and fortifying.  They are
a queer people to invade a country
and fortify–Eugene is preparing
t start Wednesday.  His servant
Pleas arrived to day.  I think of
going with him as far as the uni
versity.

MSS 4763