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

Monday  28 Bright day–scarcely genial as
temperature, but it is delightful to
see the sun for the whole time–very
hard at work most of the day. Mr Lee
not so well–I find in the morning
Virginian an announcement by Button
that Mr. L. is at my house–This is an
-noying and puts one in an awkward
position towards Dr. Berkley–What
possible use was there in mentioning
the fact–My incredulity as to the
capture of N. Orleans was not without
foundation.  There seems no doubt the
two gun-Boats at least passed the
forts & had come up to the city, threat
-ening to shell it.  There had been no
surrender at latest dates–but I
take it for granted it must fall
–It is a most serious blow to the cause
-I will not say a fatal one.  There must
have been great mismanagement. These
southern papers are great braggards
but when the comes they cannot
be relied on.  I was surprized[sic] at the
number of strange forces on the streets.
Letter from Lanty–also one from
Eugene–same date 24th Inst–both
will and both enduring hardships
like true soldiers.  Eugene in a dan-
gerous & honorable post commanding
a batallion in an advanced redoubt.
He has a shell 22 in long & 7 in dia
meter which was thrown from a
gun boat 4 miles off–Attended a
meeting of vestry. Went to Sues in
the evening–on return found Mrs
Richd Davis had arrived.  She
says the enemy ‘s cavalry were with
in 5 miles Orange C.H. and that
Ewells division had certainly gone
to Jacksons and would join him to
night–Letter from Charles announcing
his election by a unanimous vote–War
wick also re-elected–Horner & Alexander
made 2 & 3 L.

MSS 4763