[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, former editor and owner of the Staunton Spectator]
Monday night, April 28, 1862.
Another bright and beautiful spring day, but the com-
munity very much depressed again. This morning we
heard that New Orleans had certainly been taken by the ene-
my. The last report, by telegraph, is, that the fate of the
city is undecided or uncertain. Woodson, of Harrisonburg,
came up this evening. He reports that 5000 or more Fed-
eral troops are at that place, helping themselves to whatever
they want — horses, provisions +c. Conflicting reports as to
Jackson’s and Ewell’s movements. Nothing new as to John-
son’s command. Seven prisoners taken near Williams-
ville, (as I mentioned last night) were brought in the even-
ing, and put in jail. The officer in charge of them addressed
them with more sternness than I should have done. I could
not treat a fallen foe with harshness. Two more prisoners
were left at the Rockbridge Alum, wounded. Those I saw
looked rather sickly and forlorn, and excited a feeling of
pity, enemies as they are. William McClung, of Highland,
was arrested to- day, because he came through with a pass
from a Federal Officer, which stated that he had taken
the oath of allegiance. His business was to take back cattle
which belong to him. He did not take the oath of allegiance.
[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow project]
MSS 38-258