1863 February 19 Waddell

Reported to-day that Gen. Hood is coming to the Valley, with his division. Our army seems to be coming away from Fredericksburg, as the Yankees on the other side of the river are leaving. Things look rather dark. Gen. Beauregard warns the non- combatants to leave Charleston and Savannah, as he expects an attack upon one or both places. The French Emperor has made a proposition to the United States for a consultation between the belligerents with a view to peace, to which Seward replies rather testily in the negative. The Rev. John Baker has just returned from New York city, where he went to send funds to his mother in Illinois. He walked from New Market, Shenandoah co, to the Potomac, dodging Yankee camps; found wagons loaded with wheat crossing the river at a ferry, got into one of the wagons and went over unquestioned by soldiers. Returning, had to cross the Potomac at a bridge, was arrested by the guard and taken before the Provost Marshall — allowed to pass without search, bring sealed letters and $500 for the Fredericksburg people sent by one gentleman. While in N. Y. and Brooklin saw a number of Southern people, but thinks the war will last for some time yet. He bought three new shirts, and wore them all on his person. Mrs. Skinner’s only woman servant has small pox, and the family is cut off from communication with neighbors +c. I went up to night, however, to inquire for them. Did not go in the house, She seemed in a state of great distress — and I dont wonder at it. Her companions day and night are her deaf-mute Sister and daughter, and several little negroes. Burdell, who has had the disease, was there to-night.
Sunday night, February 22, 1863.
Another great snow storm. — began last night soon after dark and continued till late this morning. I have not been off the lot to-day. All the church bells silent. No service, I presume, anywhere. Read a sermon aloud after dinner. — reading to myself some in Doddridge and a good deal in Hanna’s Life of Chalmers. Very much troubled as to how Sister and family are to disposed when they come — Expect them next Friday. Reported last night that the Yankee steamer Queen of the West had been captured on Red River or the Mississippi. General expectation that the French Emperor will do something before long in reference to the affairs of this country.
Monday night, February 23, 1863.
Passengers by the train from Richmond to- night state that fighting has begun at Vicksburg. Recent reports from the South West represent the Yankee army in that quarter as greatly demoralized — officers resigning in large numbers and privates deserting by the hundred. The train from Richmond due last night did not get in till this morning, detained by the snow. Some of Mr. Stuart’s furniture has arrived by express. Miserable weather for the family to move in. To show the great increase in the price of all articles of subsistence I mention, that the money value of one hundred soldiers’ rations (for a day), formerly estimated at a little more than nine dollars, is now at market prices more than one hundred and twenty- three dollars ($123). Coffee formerly 9 cents a pound, is now $3.50 to $4. Sugar once 3 + 4 cents is now a dollar. Bacon is selling in Richmond at $1 a pound.
Thursday night, February 26, 1863.
Sister and her family are expected to- morrow evening, and Kitty goes to Charlottesville to meet them. They will go into the Academy for the present — very poor accommodations — hope to get Alick’s house in May. Have written to Bickle on the subject. He occupies the house, and is unwilling to give it up. I have tried to rent a part of Mrs. Sowers’ house (now owned by Mayes), but have given up the attempt, on account of the high price and difficulty in making any arrangement with another person for a division of the property. The real estate and most of the personal property sold enormously high on Tuesday.
Very little war news for several days. The report of fighting at Vicksburg turned out untrue, unless the account we have to-night of some cannonading be a confirmation of it. The Northern Congress has passed a conscript law and a finance bill, which together give Lincoln unlimited control of men and money in his dominions. The Kentucky Legislature seems to have backed out from its movement for a peace Congress of the Western States. The proposition was defeated in Illinois by the Republican (or Lincoln) majority of the State Senate seceding, and leaving the Legislature without a quorum. The prospect is still for fierce, unrelenting war. Butter selling at $1.75 a pound. Dont know where people get so much money — Confederate Treasury notes. Nearly all sorts of people seem to be overflowing with “currency.”
Saturday night, February 28, 1863,
Sister and her children with Kate arrived last evening, and Mr. Stuart this evening. They are eating with us for the present, making (with their two servants) twenty persons fed from our table. Our military force down the Valley has at last had some success over the enemy, capturing 184 of them.
March 1863

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