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

Sunday 29  A day of considerable excitement
Every dispatch that came announced
news better & better–but with these came
the sad list of casualties–thank God
a telegram announced the safety of my
boys. Richd Davis changed his mind
and remained in town.   He preached for us
in the morning. His sermon was
able & finished far ahead of what
I expected–Suffering from sore throat.

MSS 4763