From the diary of William M. Blackford, former diplomat, bank officer, and editor, of Lynchburg, Va., with five sons in the Confederate Army.
Saturday 15–Rain, Rain, Rain, whilst I sym-
pathise with the troops in their discomforts in
such weather, probably it is providential for
us as as it keeps the roads impassable for the
enemy’s artillery and baggage–But I still
hod to the opinion that they will not advance
on Richd through Fauquier & Culpeper, but
make Acquia Creek a starting point. No letters
from Johnsons’s army. the mail must have
been interdicted[?] Since Lanty did not write
-The enemy are certainly in possession of
Winchester, and Jackson was at Strasburg
at latest dates. Long letter from Lewis. He
had gone to Weldon and did not witness
the great naval battle. From all I can hear
nothing but the arrival of the Monitor
-the Federal Iron battery–saved all their
vessels in Hampton roads. The Virginia is
nearly ready for another cruise. I think
she can capture the Monitor. I feel very
confident she can breach Fortress Monroe
which was not built to stand modern artillery.
As our house is likely to be filled with the family
of our own children, Mary had to telegraph
Mathew’s wife of the fact and recall the in
vitation given when she could not have antici-
pated such a state of things. It was painful
to do it–Sent a Telegram to Jno Herndon
saying I could not answer his satisfactory
before Monday–News of the capture of
Newbern–had not the heart to read de
tails. Recd dispatch from Mrs. Kean, tel
ling me not to rent until I heard from
her. This would have placed me in an em
barrassing position, but for the gentlemanly
conduct of Dr. Jenkins, who had no objection
to canceling the bargain. I presume [?]
and her mother & sisters contemplate coming
here, which I think a wise step–Lynch
-burg will be at least the last place
occupied by the enemy if we are to be
overrun. The Richmond papers announce
the passage of an exemption bill
providing for immunity from the draft
of certain class of employees, including Bank
officers. This gives as much relief, as
we should have closed our doors had
the Teller and Discount clerk gone. The
papers also bring news of the death of
Bishop Meade in Richd yesterday in the
7e’ year of his age and 50′ of his minis
-try. He was a noble character, and his
loss is a severe one at this time. He may
be said to have died in Harness as a week
before, though scarcely able to set up, he
participate din the consecration of Mr.
Wilmer. His talents were not of the first
order-but a good mind had been care-
-fully trained He was a brave a man as
ever born. He would have led an army
to the field as heroically as the most famous
warrior of the day–He professed in a high
degree moral courage, so much rarer than
the other. When he thought he was fight
no consequence deterred him. His successor
cannot wear his armor and we may see
trouble in the church in Va.
MSS 4763
