[from the diary of Ephraim A. Wood, Co. C., 13th Massacustts]
Wednesday July 23 1862
Pleasant.
Worked hard
all day at the Depot.
In the evening went up
to Warrenton House and listened
to the music of the New York
ninth band
[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 12021
[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton of the 23rd Ohio]
After Guard
mounting fell in
and marched 3 miles
down to Bluestone
& near its mouth &
bathed marched back
and arrived soon after
noon the road was
very steep & Fatiguing
Recd Letters last night
from Abb Chidester
parad[sic] & Drill as
usual
Had long talk this
evening with Phill
about his adventures
with the Fairs
Cloudy & Sunshiny
very warm
indicating rain
Sprinkled a little
MSS 10317
[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]
[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
The day has been cloudy & unpleasantly close all the morning. In
the afternoon it cleared off. Mr & Mrs Ned Davis called to see Liz–& just
as we took our seat at the tea table-Sarah & her mother arrived with dear
Little William who comes up to all my expectations–He has a lovely counte
-nance without being handsome–Has an aristocratic look–Very fine-
-ly formed–& is as straight as an arrow–He is quick in his movements
& very smart for his age–Well may his parents be proud of him–
He has no resemblance to Fred–But is exceedingly like his mother & un
-cle Pax–When I look at him it makes me sad, to think how far his fa
-ther is away–& what a trial it must have been for Fred to leave him
& his mother–
MSS 6960
[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]
Wednesday, July 23, 1862
Though it looked like rain, Fannie, Mary & I
walked up to Clifton, & we were caught in a
tremendous rain. at first we thought
of waiting there, till it was over, but afterwards
came home in the pouring rain–of
course we were thoroughly drenched.
Got home just in time to dress for dinner
Father scolded a little for our
foolishness in venturing out. I was
in such high spirits after my exciting
walk that they all vowed I must be
drunk: so you see high spirits are more
rare with me than formerly. the day
was when to look thoughtful, or sad, was
a matter to question, now I am so rarely
seen really laughing that when I forgot myself &
laughed too much
I am accused of being drunk. I turned
the joke on Fannie, vowed I had not
touched a drop, but that she had had the bottle–
& forgot to mention after wards that she was
washing spots from a [knife?]
[as partially transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor]
MSS 15406
[from the diary of William M. Blackford, bank officer and former diplomat with five sons in the Confederate Army]
Wednesday 23 Had a full nights rest
not an “arrival” during yesterday
Walked over to Charles after break
fast. [Wm?] writes that he and
his men quartered one night in
the barn at Mt Airy– that he
went to the house and saw on the
trees the initials of his name, his
sister, Lanty Keans and others–
with dates running from ’35 to
to ’53–What a world of recollection
must have been awakening. He
had been much with General Jackson
riding over the country and was
much pleased with him as a man
His troops was still attached to him
as an escort–which is a more pleasant
service than with the regiment He
says nothing about his health
Nothing of interest during the
day. At 4 went to attend the funeral
of Capt Hobbes–but the heavy
rain induced them to postpone
it until tomorrow at qr past 8
–Shocking accident on the S.S.R.R.
yesterday by which four soldiers
were killed and some 30 or 40
more or less wounded–Some very
severely. Morgan still spreading
terror in Kentucky. He had taken
Cynthiana–Halleck has resigned.
MSS 4763
[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
Wednesday 23d The day opened cloudy–But it has cleared off again–
No letters or papers from Richmond–Sarah & Mrs Walters too have disap-
-pointed us–We have been looking for them anxiously all day–& as
they have not come we are fearful little William is sick–
MSS 6960
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding of the 25th Massachusetts]
Tuesday
July 22
Went out on company drill this
forenoon. This afternoon the regiment
went over the river on brigade drill. Capt.
O’Neil was in command of the regiment.
MSS 11293
Camp on White House Farm
July 22nd 1862
I am thinking of you, my darling, even more constantly than
usual. This day twelve months ago I went through rain and storm
from Ashland to Richmond to meet you, my heart tilled with joyous an-
ticipation of the happiness that would be ours as we
enjoyed each others society in that little village. I remember
my walk through the wet streets to the Danville Depot and my
disappointment when the cars came and I looked in vain for
your dear face. Then I wended my way slowly back to the
Hotel and found your telegram to tell me of the sickness of our
dear Mother, and I walked to the Office of Genl. Fauntleroy
and obtained a short leave of absence. The next morning
I started for home about this hour and soon I held you in my
embrace. Will you ever forget our ride to Oak Hill? So full of
bliss and joy. The memory of it often visits me, and I see you,
darling, clearly, distinctly, as you looked that day. How full of
love your face was. And as we talked and kissed each other
between the sentences, and listened to the gay prattle of our
dear boys who were in the carriage with us, did the sun,
in his course around the earth, shine on a happier couple
than you, dearest wife of my heart, and I were? When will
these happy times come again? Let us, darling, look reverently
and prayerfully up to our Heavenly Father and beseech him
too dispel the dark clouds that hang over us and reunite
us in peace and joy. I know what sincere petitions you send
up to the Throne of Grace. Let us encourage each other,
Dearest, in well doing, and trust with christian courage
and christian faith to the mercy and compassion and loving
[page 2]
Kindness of Him who gave his only begotten Son for us.
I have nothing new or of interest to write you.
Col. Goode was quite sick yesterday and is no better to-day, and
I am thus placed in command of the Regiment. I was a little
amused darling, a the delight you so heartily expressed at my not
meeting the enemy who were reported as crossing over into
King William, you say you love me so much that you
cannot wish me any opportunity for distinction where my life will
be placed in jeopardy.–Dearest, I merely desire to perform my
duty. I have not thirst for military fame for I know it is
won through blood and tears and suffering. But I do
desire to aid in driving the base invaders from the Soil of
Virginia. I am amazed that men can sit quietly at home
when they see the fate that awaits us if the enemy
succeed in subjugating us–I am sitting now as I write
you in full view of what was, before the invasion,
one of the loveliest estates in Virginia. It is now
a scene of desolation. The fields are naked, the fences
destroyed, the houses burned down, the laborers stolen
away, and the owners fugitives, and if this were all
their wealth, beggars.
Farewell my darling. My love to Josie & your
Mother. Kiss the children for me. Remember me to the
servants. I press you to my heart, my own, dear wife,
and kiss you over and over again, & pray God to have you
in his holy keeping and to protect you from all evil.
Yr affec. husband,
John T. Thornton
John Thruston Thornton, University of Virginia alumnus, lawyer, and Captain, Co. K, 3rd Virginia Cavalry
MSS 4021
[letter of “Irving” written at Head Quarters Department No 2 to Richard Bayly Buck begun on July 19 concludes]
July 22d Col Brent, returned
from Richmond yesterday – & states that Cap
Simpson is a prisoner at Fort Warren–
Now Dick please write me im
-mediately & direct it Care Brig Gen Thos Jordan
Chief of Staff, Chattanooga Tenn–
All the boys are well & send love
Ever yr aff Cous
Irving
MSS 3064
