[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Monday 17th We have bright clear weather again & Church
twice every day this afternoon Mr. Ned Davis had his son
christened–At night 4 students to see Eliza–I kpet
my room as I had tooth ach[e] but could hear them enjoy
-ing themselves.

MSS 6960

[from the diary of Milton W. Humphreys, Co A, 22nd Regiment Virginia Volunteers, as copied and annotated by him in 1893]

Lewisburg
March
17.
I went from the White Sulphur S[prings (Greenbrier Co., Va)
to Lewisburg and joined an Artillery Company which was
being raised by Lieut. Thomas A. Bryan, ofo C. A, 22nd
Regiment Va. Volunteers.

MSS 1578

Salem March 17th 1862
Dear William
I have just received yours of the 11th Inst, &contents $50, by Lieut.
Thomas–Capt. Deyerle & Mr. Edington will start with their
new recruits, tomorrow morning. So I write in haste.
I will probably send this by John Bryants. He goes to you
Co.–He lived you know, just back from J Benn’s. I think
you will find him a good fellow.–John Rennie and
Hartman’s two Boys go to Hupp’s Co. Hupp’s Co. is now full
think 150 strong. they could take no more.–
Your Co. will now be very large. D. brings 52 new
recruits.–There is no difficulty in getting volunteers now
Th whole of the Militia have been called for,–Our Regt.
were paraded in Salem, on Thursday last.–They were
ordered to be at the Depot. on yesterday (Sunday) But
on Saturday a dispatch came to hold themselves in readiness
to obey a call from Genl. Heth.–On yesterday another
disp. came ordering them to obey the first call, and to
report to Genl. Johnson at Manassa forthwith. Saturday
(being court day) Col. Terrell gave orders for all to be
ready to leave by the cars on Wednesday morning.–
All have to go, except such as are exempt by law.–
Our friends along the green ridges, I believe are
prepairing to go.–But it goes hard. A good many
have been exempted, on account of Physical inability.
Among this Co. John Hunts Geo. Fifer, J. R. Burchalt Hank

[page 2[
Ganst (Geo’s son) C. Swartz A. Remish M. Spingle
& many others.–Many farms will be left without
a single hand to work them. Mrs. Stautemire[?], J. Gish
Moses Brubaker S. Brubaker &c.–While upon this subject
I will say that letters have been rcd. stating that
Keifer B. Sautemire Saml. Firestone & young Huff who
went out with Mattox (the Blacksmith) are all in the
Southern Army; and were probably in that dreadful
fight at Boston Mountain under Genl. Price.
Of that fight we have no definite account. The North
claims a great Victory–Our papers say that after 3 days
hard fighting, neither side had whiped, But that
Price would certainly whip them in the end.
We are all anxious to hear the final result. Both
sides agree that there were 30,000 on each side
engaged. There was no doubt great slaughter on both
sides.–Until I recd your letter today, were supposed you
left Winchester on the 26th of last month. Hence the
why that we have not written you oftener. We did not
know your whereabouts.–Since L Thomas left you,
we understand you have fallen back to Stratsburg.
Is it so?–I had forgotten to say that your old friend John
Balthis will be with you, with his bugle.

Now for a few items of neighbourhood news,
Geo. R. Tayloe’s son (an officer in the Navy) was killed in
tehe naval battle at Hampton Rodes.–I suppose you have
heard all about that battle & the dreadful havack the old
Merrimack made among the Yankey steamers! that was a
great affair–If we had a few more steamers like the Mer. we could
raise the blockade without England or France.—

[page 3]
Jas. Deyerle’s still house burned down a week ago.
His loss is very heavy: But the worst of all is, Rob. Barnett
a son of Rob Barnett Sr. was burned up in it.–
On Thursday last your Capt A. J. d. shot a Mr R martin
from back creek. He shot him twice. At the time, the
wounds were supposed to be mortal. But now it is believed
he will recover. Bryant or Balthis can give you the particulars.
No blame is attached to Deylere.–He was not even arrested.
On the same day–a Mr. Hill from Craig was killed
by a McFearson (a soldier) also of Craig Co.–they were
coming over to Salem & fell out over an [?]
when the deed was committed. I cannot give the
particulars. McFearson is having his trial before a called
court today. From what little I have heard, he should
be hung.–We have heard nothing of Ed. Keiser yet.
He was either killed or taken prisoner–Mr. Browen
alias Behlmanon, was here 2 nights. He has grown
very much; and looks well. He is now a Lieut. & is out
recruiting. He has gone to Pulaski & Giles.

The stir among the Volunteers & Militia has taken
a few of Dr. Boule’s[?] students, say 9 or 10.–We have 4 boarders
yet.–About your money matters, I will say, money
is so very plenty no one wants to borrow. Mr Hubbard
paid back the $150 he borrowed.–Mr. McClary has paid
$15 of his Interest. I went to see T. Frantz but he was
not at home so I have not recd. any of him.–
I have used $90 of the money that Bill paid on his note.–You now
have $250 or $300 here which your ma put with your papers–
as I have not much faith in our Savings Bani I think I will put
your money in the other Bank on deposit. Until I find a chance
to lend it out.–You will get no interest in the Bank . But some of your

[page 4]
money is in Confederate notes & the day may come when
it will be of but little value–I mean when we are
all whiped by the Yankees.–When I have it I put no VA
money into your pile, & take your C.F. Money–& keep it
in circulation.–You say you have not volunteered
yet.–By your enquiry about Hupp’s Co. I infer you would
like to change your branch of service, if you volunteer again.
It is true the 42d Regt. has had a hard time so far–this Summer
I fear you will all have more fighting & less marching.
There will be no easy or soft places during the present
spring & coming summer–Perhaps the 42nd may be
the favoured Regt. we cannot tell.–When you see
the new recruits you will be able to see who are to comprise
the Co. under a new organization. –The exempt Vols. who
are now at home will have to go back with the Co.
again.–The new recruits with a few that are now
in the co. will be able to controll the organization
of the Co. at the end of the present year–I will not
advise you about revolunteering. You are there, and
know best what to do.–If you could have come home
ter recruits you would have gotten Jno. Brown, Hartman
Wm. Hubbard & many others. But if you manage rite you
will make many friends out of the new recruits, Bryant,
Balthus &c—-Bill was well a few days ago
we have heard nothing from John yet.–
All are well at home.–Write us as soon as possible
and tell us where to direct our letters.–I can think
of no more news at present.–
the free negroes between 18 & 45 are being taken for wagon
ers
Moses Ross (Stephens Son) who I have heard on the road
starts to manassa tomorrow morning.–I did not like
to give him up, but he had to go.–Tell Alexander your cook.–Lisy & Kittie are anxious to get a letter from you.
If you have a battle, let it be the understanding among
several of you that some survivor of the fight shall
write immediately after
Affectionately
John McCauley

Mr William McCauley
Winchester

Capt A. Deyerle’s Co. Va. Vols 42d Regt Col
Burks Commanding

MSS 14953

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, editor of the Staunton Spectator]

Sunday night, March 16, 1862.

We were home from Church to-night, cast down,
having heard a report brought by the cars that the
Federalists had surrounded 6000 of our troops at
Newbern, N. C. Last night we heard that the town
had been shelled by the army — now it is said they
have possession of it. The whole day has been one of
suspense and anxiety to us. Our community begins
to anticipate the appearance of the enemy here in
the course of a few weeks, and it is a matter of frequent
conversation as to whether the del>friends women and chil-
dren shall stay or fly, and if the latter where they
shall go. Jackson’s army, when last heard from, was at
Woodstock. A portion of the rolling- stock of the Mana-
ssas Railroad arrived yesterday and last night, over the
turnpike. Our militia did not get off yesterday, but
expect to start to- morrow. The times are very dark.
The only cheering thought is that God still lives &
reighreigns. Oh for pardon of sin, for deliverance
from it, and for a strong faith! Hebrews IV-16.
An intelligence from the battle in Arkansas.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

Camp in the “Woods” – Near Rappahannock
Station – Sunday evening – Mar. 16th/62
My dear Pa;
I arrived safe in camp last Friday
evening, but had a hard time of it before I got through. I thought
they were going to press me into service any how at Gordonsville –
the Provost Marshal had orders to see from Gen. Johnston to press
all straglers into service (that is, those who did not know exact=
where their Regts. were) & put them to guarding baggage or any
sort of duty he chose to…I left Gordonsville about eight oclock
that night, &c in a crowded freight car & got to Culpepper CH
at half after two next morning, where they talked about arrest=
ing me again, & put[t]ing me on duty.. I took breakfast at Uncle Wm.
Ashby’s – Uncle Wm. was looking very well – I was very much
pleased with Aunt Sally – met with three or four Cousins I had
never seen before…. I found out exactly where the 13th was
& started out again, on foot about ten oclock – I fell in
with Nat. Nuckolls, of our Co. & several others of our Regt – . I got
with the boys about two clock – found them on the meanest
camping ground we’ve ever had to camp on yet – in a perfect
swamp – All of the Boys were very glad to see me, as they had
not heard from home for some time.. I had thought that camp
life w’d go hard with me for a few days after being at home
so long, but everything came as natural to me as if I had
not been absent at all – eating twice a day do n’t suit me ex=
actly yet awhile… Yesterday a & last night was terrible weather
on us – I slept last night with wet clothes on, between wet blank=
ets & on wet ground – I expected to have gotten up this morn=
ing with a terrible cold, but strange to suffer say, did n’t suffer
the slightest inconvenience from it. Our whole camp this morn=
ing was just a pond of water – we moved about five
hundred yards from the old grounds, & found a much better
place for camping – in the woods & very dry – . W We are
without tents at present – but expect to get them just as
soon as we get to our stop[p]ing point – we’ve fixed up
shelters, have big fires & are very comfortable.. We are a mile
from Rappahannock Station & ten miles from Culpepper CH. – right
near the Rail Road… The drum is beating for dress parade,
so I must stop until tomorrow… Your devoted & most
Aff. son
P.E. Jones

P. Edloe Jones, Private, Co. E, 13th Virginia

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13407

MSS 13407

One mile of Culpepper C. H.
Sunday March 16th , 1862.
My Dear Father
I am extremely anxious to hear
from you – I got last week at the
plains a letter wh: had been lying in
the P. O. several days.. I dropped a letter
to you into the hands of a citizen as
I came through Warrenton. I had no
opportunity to mail it myself. Indeed
I don’t know if this will reach you.
All our mail had been stopped at
Gordonsville & some say there is none leaving
here for other points. We reached here
frida Thursday evening, having marched
exactly one week. The distance by
the road we came was is 79 miles – We
came a country road until we got to
Warrenton – We there got into the most

[page 2]
beautiful turnpike I ever saw – Wh:
leads to Sperryville at the foot of
the blue ridge in Rappahan[n]ock
county – there we were farther from
here than at Warrentn. but got
into a turnpike there wh: brought
us to this place. The roads where
there is no pike are almost impassible.
We had very good weather while
marching; only part of a day was
rainy – The longest days march
was 22 miles the shortest 6. The
infantry suffered a good deal – some
of them giving out entirely – We
had no gun or blanket to carry
& got along without any such
difficulty. A little burden makes
a great difference. It has
been raining ever since we
encamped here but seems to
be clearing off. We expect every

[page 3]
day orders to resume our march
to Gordonsville wh: is I suppose
undoubtedly our ultimate destina-
tion. Johnston’s whole army is fall-
ing back. The most of them
have passed us. I left my
two books with Miss Emma Simpson
in Loudon & will not therefore be
able to get them until the war
is over or we drive the Yankees
out of Va. We are of course pleased
with the success of the Merrimac
& the rumored victory of Price
Vandorn. Did you know that
the Captain Harrison killed at
Donnelson was the Rev. Mr. Harrison
formerly minister in Lunenburg
& afterwards chaplain at the Uni-
versity? General Hill gave us leave
to organize with 25 men – we refused
to do this at a meeting – but deter-

[page 4]
mined to do so if we could get 64 men
we have that is 64 old members –We
have about 61 & tho’ every man has
been pretty thoroughly canvassed I
think there is no doubt about our
organization. Johnson’s army is a very
small one. I hear that all the
militia in our country are called out.
This is probably true. I am told also
that half the negroes are sent for to
work on the breast works. Do you
furnish any. The census of our
company was taken today according
to law, as to who would reenlist – Nearly all
reenlisted. But many do not designate the
company, wishing to go home first. Some
of them will not return to this company.
But generally they will. My dearest father
give my best love to mother George & all.
& for yourself you know you have my
best. When I get to Gordonsville I hope to find
a letter from you – Most affectionately Yr. Son
W. H. Perry Jr.

William H. Perry, Jr., Richmond Howitzers,

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Saturday 16th [sic]
Mrs. Davis left us Mrs Wm Davis & went to house
-keeping we miss her very much –Mr Ned Davis & his wife will
continue at the Hotel also Mr & Mrs Greenhow, as they have
been disappointed in getting a house. The taking of Newburn
has been confirmed–How distressing it is to hear what in
-roads the Yankees are making into our State.

Sunday –we all attended Church to day & had a good ser-
-mon from Mr Hilliard–Eliza received to[sic] written requests to
escort her to church–

MSS 6960

[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan, and a Sgt., Co. B, 1st Independent Battalion (Rightor’s) Louisiana Infantry]

Richmond Sunday – March 16th 1862
Rose this morning at 8 o’clock – at breakfast
met Miss Sallie Didlake – John’s sister – the
image of old John! after breakfast walked
down town to the p.o. & hotels – at 10 ½ called
on Mr Duncan F. Kenner & Mr. Benjamin
but they had gone down town – Called on Mr
Gibson & went to St Pauls church with his
wife – Saw the President & Genl Lee there –
After church was introduced to Miss Helen
Bartlett who gave me a carte blanche to
call on Miss Talley at Smiths House as her
friend – After seeing her & Mrs Gibson home again
called at Mr Kenners but he was not in – Dined
at Mr Harveys – Met Maj Beard this evening on
the street & took him up & introduced him to
Mr Kenner & T.O Starke(!) whom we met there –
transacted my business with Mr Kenner – Maj
Beard came up & spent the evening at Mr
Harveys with me – Retired at 11 o’c –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6154

[from the diary of Private Frank Conway Fitzhugh of Orange County, Va., who served in Carrington’s Charlottesville Artillery and Barger’s Staunton Artillery, both of Cutshaw’s Battery.]

March Sunday 16
Went in barracks at the University of Va.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

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

Sunday 16 It cleared off in the night and the
morning opens bright and auspicious. [?]
and drowsy–Mr. Kinckle preached an
admirable sermon on Acts 8 v 2 “And devout
men carried Stephen to his burial, and made
great lamentation over him.”–This being St Ste-
-phens day in the calendar. He made applica
tion of it to Bishop Meade, of whose character
and services he gave a brief but discrimina
ting sketch–Fine sermon, also in the after-
noon. No letter from any of the boys–I cannot
divine the necessity of suppressing all letters
from the army–It tends only to create a panic
much disturbed about Launcelot, who went
to Gordonsville to seek there a route to the
valley to join his company, in Jacksons little
army. The only route, to that thro Staunton, is
blocked up by an enormous number of cars
from the Manassas Road, which are in the
track between Gordonsville & Charlottesville.
We have had no mail from the latter place for
a week. It is abominable to have the great
central communication with the valley thus
blocked up. After night, recd an answer
to my dispatch to Jno Minor, which ought
to have come yesterday. Sue & Nannie quite
well. Nothing from Charles yet

MSS 4763