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

Satufeay 28  The board ordered me to invest
$200,000 more in bonds–very vague
accounts of the battle yesterday–all
favorable however.  Some of the casualties
reach us Dick Phelps killed–Col Wi-
thers of the 18 wounded–Nothing to
assure me of the safety of my boys
-but I take no news to be favorable
and should hope for the best.  Eugene
I know has been engaged
Later in the day telegrams
came announcing that the enemy
were driven back several miles, that
the battle was still going on-6000
prisoners already taken–including three
Generals–90 or 100 guns & that our
forces were surrounding McClellan
and that a hope was entertained that
he would have to capitulate–If he
is cut off from the gun boats.  I think
this probable enough.  Lee in com-
mand and exciting admiration
by the manner in which his plans
are carried out–I always predicted
he would be the man–I  did not
regret that the wound of Johnson
was not healed.–I wanted Lee to have
a fair chance.–News also that France
& England had determined to interfere
The N.Y. Herald admits it to be no longer
doubtful–Butlers “order” is denounced
in parliament in the most violent
manner. The vaporing of the Herald
on the occasion is truly characteristic
Coming home in the evening found
Mathew Maury & his daugher Ma
ry and Richard Davis–Mathews [wife?]
had reached Fredg and was to return
Monday–She wished to be back
with her Mary and home  [?]her spee-
-dy return & the necessity of her
going to Richd tomoerow–Richd is on
his way to Flat Creek, summoned 
by his wife to help nurse the ser
vants.  The old fever has broken out
there–nineteen cases–Most high
-ly delighted with the intervention[?]

MSS 4763