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

Saturday 20.  Weather much colder
Board to day established another director
ship but did not make an election
Holcombe spoken of but I have no
confidence in his habits–He is not
likely to improve–should prefer Alfred
Miller to any one I know–but he is
in the army, and some of the Directors
object to having two brothers on the
Board–Recd a good deal of money
for the Fredg. sufferers–Published in
the morning’s papers Goggin’s letter-Some
think he is looking to the next Governor
ship and that would like to be a
candidate–Sent another check to Howi
son of $500 making 1750$ in all.
Shall raise 2500 before I am done
No news except that the enemy
has retired so far from the Rappahannock
that their camp fires are not seen from
our lines–only a small force is left
now Fredg & Port Royal–this looks
as if they were bound for Washington
  Went at night to see Mrs. C. Garland
-She has improved since I saw her last.
Jack Slaughter, who has just come
from Arkansas called while there.
His accounts of Arkansas & Mississippi

are gloomy.  Returning found [Revd?]
Richd Davis at my house, just from
his Regt at Harrisonburg. He is go
ing to Flat Creek

MSS 4763