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

Saturday 31st  Warm day again–I have just received a
long letter from Fred–He & Mr Walters have joined a Cavalry
company in Starke’s Regiment from Washington County in
Mississippi–The Captain’s name is Blackburn–& a large
proportion of the company are wealthy gentlemen from that
county–They are sent to Vicksburg to keep the Federal Gun
boats from landing–they will enter service the 5th of June
He will take Tom Bradley with him–A bad choice I am a
-fraid as he drinks hartly[sic] tho’ affectionate.  We took tea
at Mrs Phillips had everything nice & the evening passed off
pleasantly.  Our ladies are going on a fishing party to day
They are to hire a Hack between them.

MSS 6960