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

Sunday 5  Last night was one of the
hottest of the season–unprecedented

in October–Communion occasion-
a great number communed–Charles
& Sue dined with us–Dr. Green &
his wife called in the afternoon I
showed him a second letter recd
from Mr Lamar, giving further in-
formation about Dr. Ford-equally sa-
tisfactory, with the first–Dr. G. not
satisfied–I think his objection to
the match unfounded & the result
from prejudice.  Walked with him
to Merriwethers to have a [bundle?]
Ben called in the evening and
persuaded Eugene to go with him
to Liberty to look at a horse. We
went to church at night & E. went
to stay with Ben at his fathers.
    A curious phenomena is pre-
sented in my memory with respect
to the name of an author  of several
popular works–In 1823 in the
reading room in Fredrick a read in
a number of the Museum of Language &
Literature, an obituary notice of
Wm Coombe, another of Dr. Syntax
in Search of the Picturesque, and of
‘the Devil upon two sticks in England
-a very clever imitation or continuation

rather of Le Sage’s work.  Formerly[?]
[?] I had read often and admired
prodigiously Lord Lyttletons letters
In this  notice it was stated that
Coombe was the author of the work
-that he possessed himself of facts
in the domestic history of the young
Lord & palmed the work off as
a collection of his correspondence.  This
was  a new news to me– and hard to
believe–but it was positively asser
-ted & I have frequently seen it since
stated in Biographical  Dictionaries
-now the trick of my memory, generally
so good in all matters of Literary
writing, is that I cannot retain the
name of “Coomb” -After my marriage
and settlement in Fredg, I asserted
that Lyttleton was not the writer of
the letters published as his–It was
controverted-I could not remember the
name of the real author, but know
when I got the fact, and wrote to
young Thomas Seddons then a
student of Yale, and giving him
the reference, he sent me the extent
[?] that I had seen oftime,
had occasion to refer to Coombe

and have never been able to recall
the name, over and over again have
I had to refer to Biographical
Dictionaries & Cyclopedias.  Last
night something reminded me
of L Lyttleton, and of course by a
natural association, of this bête
noire of my memory. It was a long
time before I recovered it–I knew
it began with C. and I proceeded
to recount names, & facts that I
was approaching the real one until
at last I hit upon it.  This is
to me a queer freak of the memory
I make mention of it here as a
physco psychological curiosity and
to refer to the name should I again
forget. Most probably thus recording
it will stamp it in my memory.

MSS 4763

Staunton, Saturday morning,
    Oct. 4, 1862
You must excuse me, Ella, my darling, for scribbling with a bad
pencil, instead of using pen and ink.  I seize an opportunity early in
the morning to write you a few lines, amid the hurry and unsettled
spirit of a traveller, if only to keep myself in your remembrance and assure
you that you are, first, last, always, in my mind. You have probably
received ere this my letter from Richmond, and doubtless there is a
letter from you somewhere en route for me, and the hope of which is [?]
I have all confidence in your considerate, tender, devoted affection, my sweet
child; but every new evidence of it and every assurance from your own
lips or pen will be highly prized.   Bro. Reed and I went to the Cen-
tral depot Thursday evening on the arrival of the trains, and there he
was so fortunate as to find his wounded son. The hand was amputa
ted, and the poor fellow had a hard time walking from Sharpsburg
to Staunton, but his wound is doing well. Whom should I meet in
Richmond but Major Henry Peyton!  As Gen. Beauregard is now quiet
in his Southern Department, Peyton has come on to get his wife and
child, if possible, from Loudoun, and take them South.  He is well, cheerful,
enthusiastic, social, and pleasing as ever.  I was somewhat
startled by a sudden attack of Col. Drinkards on me in the presence
and with the aid of Jas. Duncan and others about my matrimonial pros-
pects; but was greatly relieved by the intimation that I was desirous
to take a Crew on board my life-boat.   I was very modest and diffi-
dent on the subject.  Whom should I see but Peyton? Why, Rev.
Wm. E. Judkins! He was in R. about three hours, specically to see
Peyton and me, though he failed to see the former.  He looks bright

[page 2]
and smiling.  Need more be said in reference to  a man who carries
his heart so conspicuously in his countenance?  We entered into each
other’s confidence, of course.  Ettie and he are not engaged exactly, or formally, but
virtually.  And, by the way, I judge from what he said that my views
on the church question will be carried out.  Perhaps, they will be married
just before Conference.  Will it not be interesting–the meeting and congratu-
lations of the two couples? I sent her my love for the sake of mutual friends, and
my hope that I would soon love for her own sake: also my advice that she
will no longer hesitate about enjoying herself freely,  urging the example of
a friend whom she esteems and who always  acts sweetly and well.
  Judkins with his usual warmth and kindness, told me that there would be no
difficulty in getting us a pleasant house at Conference.  So, my heart’s darling,
you must be ready for that trip with me.  I trust it gives you as much happi-
ness to think of it, as it gives me. Does it, Ella dear?—-I came here
last evening, and found, as I anticipated, a jam.  The Presbyterian Synod
is in session here, and there is a crowd of officers and soldiers.  I  had a little
discussion with a stranger about my room: but as I am an old man, he
said that he would yield to me cheerfully.  I may get off on the stage to-
day at 1 1/2 P.M.: but I am afraid of detention here a long time  I will
write you as soon as I get to Winchester.
love and bless you!                                       God bless you, my darling –God
love and bless you!  Be sure to write often–very, very often: freely,
and at length, also.  I will never lose the zest for your letters.  direct to Win-
chester, 11th. Va. Reg.  Love me and trust me, and ever pray for me,
                                       Yours devotedly,
                                                          J. C. Granberry,
It will be a satisfaction to you to know how much comfort these lines
of valediction are to me.  [?]-ever say “God love thee, my beloved!”

John Cowper Granberry, formerly a Methodist chaplain at the University of Virginia, served as chaplain of the 11th Virginia.  In 1882 he was elected Bishop and served on the Vanderbilt University Board of Trustees.

MSS 4942

[from the diary of Lt. John Tyler of Letcher’s Artillery]

(Oct 4th)  It is quite warm this morning.  I feel
rather better, but suffered a good deal with my side
last night.  Finished letter to Jennie commenced
day before yesterday & sent it to Leesburg by James.
Mr Braden went to Wheatland & returned with
the news that England France & Russia had recog-

-nized the Southern Confederacy & Lincoln
had agreed to “Let the South slide” in his own
expressive words, only letting Maryland, Tennessee,
Kentucky & Misouri decide by vote with which
they would go (very fair).  Two Companies of our
Cavalry have just gone down this road to Leesburg.
Have just sat up head aches more than it did.
James returned with news that all my letters
previously sent have gone from Leesburg, & an oppor-
-tunity for the other was expected in a day or two & that
Dr Jackson would be out to see me tomorrow.  Feel
very much fatigued this afternoon, & head aches.  Miss
Lizzie passed the evening with me chatting which I
always enjoy.  Very warm this evening.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150

                    Camp E. D. Keyes
                      Augusta Oct. 4 1862
Dear Parents
                    I received you letter in
due time and should have answered
it before this: but thought I should
be at home Sat. (today)
But the Col. will not grant any
furloughs until we are mustered in
which will probably be the first of next
week.
Perhaps you had better put into that
old carpet bag a shirt 1 pair stockings &c
and send them down by Elliott. he
goes home to day & returns monday
  I have a little writing to do for the
Surgeon, & that is about all at present.
The Surgeon told me the other day
that my duties would be very light.
The Hospital Steward and myself sleep

[page 2]
at the Surgeon’s headquarters have a
very comfortable chance
We get enough to eat and drink.
I should have no objection to your
putting into that carpet bag some cake
& cheese when you send it.
I sold the poorest shirt I had
when I first came here, so you
see I shall need one before long.
  When I get the bounty I will return
your favors.
              Your affectionate Son
                      C.P. Morrill
Please send me some papers.
If you will send me the Independant
I will return it.
Also Hall’s Journal of Health after you
read it.
                           C.P.M.

Charles Plummer Morrill, 24th Maine

MSS 11031

Camp fifth New York Regiment Sharpsburgh Oct. 4th 1862

Mrs Leavitt—Dear Madam Since the Battle of Manasses in which
it was Gods will you Dear Husband should fall, the Regiment has been constantly
on the March & we have not had the chance to write you the sad event untill
after we had sent a detail to bury the dead & collect the wounded, we all were in hopes
that he would be found among the latter, the detail did not return until we
were on the March to this place,when we learned the truth that your Husband
together with many of our brave Companions, was numbered with the dead, it
was impossible during the Terible confusion, of that dreadful Battle to give any
attention to theose dead that fell therefore his last words were unheard, & by his
wound he must have been Instantly killed, they being in the head, one of his own
company (Michael Warner by name) with his own hands buried him in the best
manner possible, under the difficulties of such an occasion, Sad as this bereavement
is to you, it will perhaps be A source of consolation to you to know that his loss is severely
felt by his Company, he was beloved by all of his associates, & by the strict discharge
of his duties as A Soldier, won the confidence of his Officers had he lived, he
would have rapidly advanced in the line of promotion, he had already started
upon, but Man Proposes, & God disposes & it was his will that your Husbands
name should add another to the long list of Martyrs to the cause of Justice & Freedom
with Great sympathy for you in this bereavement I am Madam, truly Yours,
Gordon Winslow Lieutenant Commanding, Company F, Fifth,Regiment New York Volunteers,

[The above letter to Mrs. George Leavitt, was copied by her father-in-law John Leavitt, in September of 1865, in a ledger with George’s letters home, as a remembrance of him]

MSS 66

[from the “War Journal” of George Hazen Dana of the 32nd Massachusetts as compiled by him for wartime letters and diaries]

                                                           Camp near Sharpsburg.
                                                                          Oct. 4th 1862.
My last was written in Washington, and I have
not as yet heard from you, but hope to soon.
I was not in very good health in W., but am now
well.        You see, as I said, I knew myself better
than you did.        From Washington, I went to
Frederick, Md. in the cars, thence to Boonsboro,
on top of an old fashioned stage coach, a distance
of sixteen miles.        The [whole?] concern was

rather shaky, and I expected every moment to be
precipitated with the body of the coach, – which
rolled from one side to the other like an old sailor –
from my lofty position to the ground.        The
drive would have been very tedious, had it not been
for the magnificent scenery.        I never saw
any to compare with the view from the battle field
on the summit of South Mountain.        It unites
the wildness of our Northern mountain scenery
with the fertility of the island of Java – but
I will not try to describe it to you, for it would
be beyond the power of the most eloquent pen.
But should I be spared till more peaceful times,
we must all feast upon that heavenly scenery
together –        It seemed to me sacrilegious
and almost impossible that a bloody battle
would have been contested in the very midst of
one of God’s choicest creations – brother against
brother -, fighting to the death for the possession of
what seemed to belong to God alone.
I remained at Boonsboro all night, and the next
morning, hired a wagon, and drove to Sharpsburg.
Here the destruction caused by shot and shell
were visible in every direction, – large holes through
the sides of brick buildings, tottering walls, etc.

It seemed miraculous that all the inhabitants
could have escaped injury, but it is accounted for
by the fact that they stowed themselves away in
the cellars.        The regiment I found posted about
a hundred yards from the Potomac River,  on the
Maryland side of the river, where we still remain –
   The regiment is all on picket duty today, but I
remain in camp as Officer of the Guard.
President Lincoln reviewed our corps yesterday.
Little Mac attended him, and the men were therefore
crazy, as usual

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 5130

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]

Saturday, Oct. 4, 1862

This morning
Arthur & Crotty went
to Burnsides ajt
again he said to
them that he would
send an order to
[muster?] us out today
Some of the boys of
the Regt have trans-
ferred to day to a regular
Battery.  Some cannonading
near here to day
Wrote letter to day
for Fred to Mary Creps
Played for Guard
mounting this morning
saw John Benton to night
Rained a little this
evening mostly clear
during the day

MSS 10317

[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. B., 97th Ohio]

     Oct. 4th, ’62      
Started between

7 & 8 o’clock, A.M.
Left the Bardsville  town
pike 26 miles from
Louisville; marched
rapidly until with-
in about 4 miles
of Bardsville, when
the rebel cavalry en-
gaged our cavalry,
taking 150 of ours
prisoners; – ours tak-
ing 1! Four miles from
Fairfield. Every a-
pearance of a fight.
Saw Gen’l. Thos. L. Crit-  
tenden, today; a fine
looking young gen-
eral.

Two rebel pris-
oners just pass-
ed; “hard cases”.
I saw, altogether, ten
prisoners whom we
took to-day.- yesterday, one
officer. Encamped
for the night in the
suburbs of Bards-
town. Made a march
of 20 miles today.
Was taken to H.
Q. for permitting
some of the men
to take a few
sweet potatoes

from an old rebel.
Rained to-day.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey[

Sat 4. Organized choir – extemporarily – fine showers at
night.  Attended in position at Gen. Robeson’s review.
     William surprised & delighted me by walking into
my tent – this Eveg – Attended Barracks prayer meetg.
   tea at Mr Parkes

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Saturday 4th  My heart has been lighted to day by the reception of a letter
from tom & I feel grateful to God for sparing his life so far he says he
is well & his Regiment is nos resting That he found it impossible
to write before as they are so constantly moving about–fording & refording
the Potomac several times.  That the part of the Army he is with now was
obliged to rest after a vigorous Campaign & several hard fought battles
about 12 miles from Martinsburg on the Baltimore & Ohio R Road & 20 odd miles
from Winchester.  He says we have been as far as Frederick City in Maryland
it is quite a pretty little place there, several companies were made up & joined us.
My Brigade had the honour of helping to take Harpers Ferry . We drove the Yankees
from the Maryland Heights, & held them till after the surrender.  We took 12000 Yankees
& 3 or 4000 negroes most of whom were sent to their masters when they could be
found–He says he hires some one to wash for him & there are others that cook–So he would
prefer Noah’s remaining at home until he is stationary & sends for him–

MSS 6960