[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]
Monday afternoon, June 30, 1862.
The battle near Richmond was continued on
yesterday. Cannonading distinctly heard in this
region. We have no details of the fight since
Friday, but telegraphic dispatches received to- day
state that the Federal army was retreating towards
James River. The reports are encouraging for our
side. Eight members of the Guard (from Staunton)
wounded, besides the Captain Burke. Three of the
Staunton Artillery reported killed — all strangers
to me. I sat up with Dr. Edmondson last
night, who died between 1 + 2 o’clock this morn-
ing. His family overwhelmed with grief. At
the same time these battles of his horrible war
are filling thousands of households with lamen-
tation. I had another swarm of bees yesterday,
and one to-day, making three from the same
hive this season. When I contrast my circum-
stances with those of many other people, how
much have I to thank Good God for. Yet how
do I repay Him for his goodness! I do desire
to draw near to the Lord Jesus, confessing all my
guilt, that I may find pardon and deliverance
from Sin. The bees have been a source of much
entertainment to me, and have, in part, sug-
gested these reflections.
[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow Project]
MSS 38-258