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

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1862
Another day of
anxiety has at
length passed it
has certainly been
a very long one
This morning we
had assurances from
Adjt gen Kenedy that
Gen Crook would muster
us out this morning
the day however passed
in expectancy & he did
not come
This evening Capt McL
says that Crook will
attend to us in the
morning.  Maj Comly
came in today
The 20th Regt left this
afternon toward Western
Md.  Clear Cool

P.S. a Hazy day
resembling Indian summer

MSS 10317

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

Wednesday [22]
Thursday [23]
Weather continues very
fine.  Nothing of any great
interest.  the evacuation of Bragg
of Kentucky is un fait accompli
He brought impossible immense
quantities of “plunder” of every
kind.–Still the result has been
disastrous, if not disgraceful
to our army–I have confidence in
Bragg, but he is severely denounced
by many–Young Mackal[?] called
to see us Thursday night.  He is just
from Lees army and is going to
the west to join his unit. Gen [Mackalls?]
staff. to which he belonged when
taken prisoner at Island No 10. He
gives glowing accounts of the man-
-ner in which the prisoners were
treated at Fort Warren. I fear we
would be put to it, to find a
parallel in the treatment of Yan
kee prisoners.  From late dispatches
the enemy are preparing to attack
Charleston & Savannah and perhaps
other Southern ports.  I dread their
naval power.  They must naturally
have a spite against Charleston &
they will do their utmost to take
it.  What charming manners young
Mackal has–I think most of
the young men I have seen from
Balt. excel in manners [?] young
men.  I scarcely know one of them
who fails in point of manners.

MSS 4763

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, civilian employee of the Quarter Master Dept.]

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

Wednesday 11  I have been alone most of the day–So I wrote Charles a long
letter in answer to one I received–My face is still very painful &
my tooth still aches a little so I have kept in my room all day–
Sarah is very kind & attentive does all she can to relieve me & I love
her very much–She & her mother have been out returning visits
The weather is still bright cool & clear–But Oh how our Wilmington
people are suffering–No news from there to day–

MSS 6960

[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]

Heard last night of poor Mrs. Mary [?] losing
five children with scarlet fever. She had
seven-all gone but the oldest & youngest–Oh!
God be with her in this sore trial-Teach her
to lean on Thy Son, Comfort her from Thy [?]

Felt sad all day.  What would I not
give for an assured hope in Christ
I know that I want faith, my heart is
so impenetrable–I can not believe as I should
do,- I once thought that as I grew in years I
would grow in grace & looked beyond impatiently
for the time to come when I would be better–
But now I know that I must live here
& now for God every hour: if I ever expect to
be fully his, ie. to bring every thought & action
in subjugation to his will= I am so
[?] to forget that it is only through Christ
I am saved & strengthened. If I could be
less self righteous & trust more in my Saviour–
O God teach me to examine myself
Indeed I think that I am sincere in
making this last effort to turn now
to Thee, But Oh, I am so weak I
have thought so many times before & fallen
–Teach me humility= Be merciful
unto –Sancitify [sic]

[1st paragraph transcribed in 1972 by her granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor]

MSS 15406

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]

Tuesday
Oct 21

Quite a cool night last night. We had
a short drill this forenooon. It was cool and
cloudy this forenoon and pleasant this afternoon
Have not felt very well to day. Read “Lawrence Mun
roe[“] this afternoon an Cultivators this evening and
talked with Uncle Sam about farming. He thinks
farming will pay a very fair profit even if a man
does not work very hard, and if I get home safe
by the blessing of God, I think I shall try it.

MSS 11293

Camp Near Winchester Oct 21 62
My Dear Charles
Your very kind letter en-
closing one from Dr Tucker intro-
ducing me to Dr McGuire was recd
on yesterday.  I had also recd one from
you a few before which had not
had an opportunity to answer–
My health had been bad since the
first week I left Richmond, but while
in Md where we rested a day or two
I took some medicine & was tempo-
rarily relieved–When at Sharpsburg
I was in line of battle from Monday
evening until Wednesday evening
without any thing to eat (indeed we
had had nothing since Sunday night
as we marched Monday Morning at
one Oclock), and My diarrhea be
came worse and I was only able to
keep on the field at all by the use of
opium which I happened to have in
my pocket Since then I have suf
fered all the time there being no
more action from my liver than if I
had none and nothing that I eat
digesting at all.  I am however

[poage 2]
not very sick–being generally able to
attend to my duties.  I have the most
[overgrown?] appetite even for our rations
of beef & flour and can now understand
how the judge manages to eat so much
when he is sick.  I think if I could
be at your table with you usual good
Mutton before me I could give him
a hard race for the biggest eater.
Return my thanks to the Dr for his letter.
I asked for a furlough to go home for 15 days
but I was only allowed the privilege of going
to Wincheser.  If I should become more
uncomfortable here I will go to Winches-
ter & present his letter.   Soon after crossing
the Potomac I was sent to Winchester
on business & recognized Mrs M[?]
as I passed her house as some one I
had seen before but I could not
for my life remember who it could be
I never thought about the Dr and
of his relatives being Tucker family being
from Winchester  When I go to Win
chester again I shall call & see her,
for I remember to have met her in
Richmond several times.
  I am encamped in the orchard
of Mr George Seavors who says he
is well acquainted with all the
family of Tuckers.  He resides in
Winchester but frequently comes out to

[page 3]
his farm which is superintended by his
brother Thomas an old batchelor.  He
is very kind to me & seems to have taken
quite a fancy to me.  I have the priv-
ilege of his house whenever I desire it.
  I do not know what to say to
you about the Army’s Movement.  On
Friday morning last about 3 oclock
we were ordered to “hitch up” and
to be ready to Move at daylight, We
soon had our tents struck and wag-
ons packed and remained in that
position until Saturday evening.
I learned afterwards that the occa-
sion of it was that the enemy had
made some demonstration near
Charlestown and a general advance
was anticipated.  The result of it
all was that there was an artillery
duel in which the long range guns
of the 2nd & 3d Richmond howitzers were
engaged with some little loss to themselves &
quite serious loss to the enemy for the
number engaged.  Capt Smith of the How-
itzers shot in the foot–afterwards ampu-
tated & Lieut Carter wounded in the
shoulder.  We had several others wounded
but only one man killed.  It became ne-
cessary for us to retire & the enemy took
possession of the town but evacuated
it very soon.  They confessed to a loss
of 125 killed & wounded.  If the yan

[page 4]
kees ever had an idea of advancing they
have fallen back and it is now said
that there are none this side of the river.
Some indications induce me to believe
that we are going to remain here some time
Genl Lee has ordered all the clothing to be
forwarded here and 5000 tents are now
“in transitu“.  The army is being clothed
& shod and if our Battalion indicates, its
condition  we are not suffering condi
tion  Beef & flour are abundant and
the only difficulty I see to Wintering
here is the scarcity of forage.  The army
I think is in fine condition.  The whole
army is required to drill twice a day
& particular attention is paid to the
horses.  I do not think Gen Lee will
be caught napping.
  John Thomas joined his regiment about
the time we returned from Md, but I
have not met him but once.  I learn
he is now with his Regiment but has
been sick & went to Winchester to recruit.
We are only about a mile apart.  James
Nimmo is very well & sends respects to you
  I trust Newman has succeeded
in arranging his business satisfac
torily–I have not recde his letter
   give my love to Aunt Margt and all
relatives, remembering Thomas &
Cousin
Fannie.Write me when you can for
it is a treat o get a letter from any where
   Truly yours  Jno. L. Eubank

[in left hand margin of page 1]
Tell Dr. P V Ran that I met Dr Styles the day after the Sharpsburg fight
& was immediately reminded of “fullers earth”
and Duck wall

Captain John L. Eubank, Taylor’s battery Virginia Light Artillery

MSS 2516

U of Va Oct 21st 62
My Dear Sir
                   Your letter of inquiry as to schools
came to hand on saturday–yesterday I made
inquiry respecting the matter, and find that
there is not a school in Albemarle such as you
desire biz–which is suited to prepare boys for
the University–All such schools in our county
are, for one cause or another suspended–
There are two schools in Charlottesville Mr.
Duke’s and Mr Carrol’s but neither of these gentlemen
understand the University methods of instruction–
Allow me to suggest the possibility of obtaining
Professor Massie (who conducted the Mathematical
studies of the U of Va for the last year) to take charge
of the five boys you speak of either at his own
home, Waynesborough (just across the mountain
on the track of the V C R to Staunton–or in your nei-
ghborhood–He is out of employment and unfit for
the Army being lame–His address is Waynesboro’
  A line to Prof Rd. Massie at that place would ascertain
the fact–
         We regret to hear of the continued indisposition
of Dr. Brent and                  We pray they may both
speedily recov                      wife continues to gain strength
she went to                           h’ville last sunday–but
was very  tir                             returned–The ride was rather much
                                                                            for her

[hole in paper in above four lines where a stamp was later torn off]

[page 2]
The students continue to arrive slowly–Most who have
matriculated are promising young gentlemen–many
of them pious–We have reorganized our sabbath
school–and are making arrangements for the
students prayer meeting and the young men’s
Christian Association–
   Dr. Wm J Hoge and lady beg to send
their kind regards to you–My wife joins me
in christian salutations to you and your house-
hold–Remember us in your prayers, as we do
you and yours–
                          very truly your friend
                                     M H McGuffey

Gen J. H. Cocke
    Bremo Bluff
           Fluv’a County
              –Va–

MSS 640

                                   Camp near Winchester
                                 Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1862
Your sweet letter, my own Ella, which was
mailed the 16th, reached our camp on rather bivouac
yesterday the 20th.  Wasn’t that soon?  I am so
grateful for the impeded privilege of regular and
not very tardy correspondence between us.  Your favor
was not received by me, however, until this morn-
-ing–for what reason do you guess?  In remarkable
fulfilment of the cheerful imaginations you attempted
 to indulge that blue day, I was seated in a parlor
last evening by a cozy fire, and chatting with an
interesting young lady; and not until I had eaten
breakfast to-day, did I return to my tent.  But one letter
from my darling is worth a hundred conversations with Miss
Timberlake or any other young lady besides herself.
An apology is due you for letting a whole week pass
since I last wrote, and you will find it in the
unsettled sate in which we have been for some
days.  About sunset of Thursday came an order to be
ready to move at a moment’s waring, in consequence
of the enemy crossing the river in force.  We were aroused

[page 2]
at 2 A.M. of Friday by an order to be prepared for
marching at day-break. We spent a long and [?]
day in waiting for the command, Forward: but the Yan-
kees hasted back to Maryland, and we unpacked
and rested. Saturday I was highly gratified by a visit
from Jno Wheelwright, one of my favorites. Sunday I
preached twice to large and attentive congregations on
Ps 66: 13, 14 and Heb. 11: 25, 26.  These made seven
sermons, besides exhortations, in two weeks: so I have
not been idle.  Monday we moved our camp–Pick-
etts whole division–two miles farther from Winches-
ter. We are in an abundant piece of woods, near
a large spring, and no longer crowded as before.  Not
being able to get any food cooked in camp, Dr. Thorn-
hill and I sought dinner at a neighbor’s, and
being kindly invited to spend the night I consented.
I borrowed Newton’s Cardiphonia, an excellent book of
piety; and having just received a request from peters
burg to preach the Sabbath afternoon sermon at the
ordination of elders, and as that must be a special
discourse, I will not lack for employment. Will
it not help me in preparing for the occasion to
think that my precious Ella will be one of the congre-

[page 3]
gation?  Jackson’s now at Martinsbuarg.  The signs,
at present, form the idea of a permanent occupation
of this country by our troops.  Indeed, I would not be sur-
prised if Lee should again cross the Potomac.  Don’t
be so anxious about the health and comfort of our sol-
diers.  They do lack blankets, but I hope that want will
be supplied soon as wagons have been sent to the
Rapidan after the baggage left there.  the health and
[?] of the army are very encouraging. Always  think
of me as well an happy, and that I miss my
darling, and long to be with her.
                                                        And you were
too much startled to be pleased wit the news that
you must go with me to Conference?   I am not dis-
pleased with you for that: I will give you time to
follow me in all the devotion I feel towards you. But
will you not learn to take pleasure in the anticipa-
tion and the event?  For my sake, surely you will.
You do not wish to be a “burden.”  My pay is $80 a
month and rations.  $20 and rations will be an am-
ple allowance for my personal expenses.  The remain-
ing $60 will, I trust, be enough to provide tolerable
comfort for you, my love.  do you not know that I live

[page 4]
wholly for you, subordinately of course to my duty to God?
What pleasure will anything be to me save so far as it
may be a means of promoting the comforts of my dear Ella?
Spring Grove is so far from me in time that I have
some difficulty in arranging the details of our marriage
and I am obliged to call on you for aid.  I hope to
leave here Monday, Nov. 10; to be in Richmond Wednes-
day or Thursday.  I can then reach Danville Friday
in all probability; or if I stay a day in R. as may be
desirable, Saturday.  I could get a hack, I suppose,
in D. and go Monday morning to Spring Grove; be
married, and return with my charge and delight that day; and we can
together go to Petersburg Tuesday. Shall that be the
programme?  If so who will meet me in D., and when,
that we may see the clerk, and get the license?  You
kinfolks can arrange this for you, and “Uncle
Sam” would, I doubt not, sow his appreciation of
his niece cheerfully by carrying out the plan. Any
way you choose will be satisfactory to me, only so
that I may have you mine, only, wholly, forever mine!
In spite of the troubled times, in spite of the sadness of
our necessary separation so large a part of the year, I
long for the day of our union, and anticipate such rich

[page 5]
and deep joy not only during the weeks we will be to-
gether, but ever afterwards, in our mutual love.
As our  ministers will probably desire to be with their
churches the last Sabbath of the Conference year, it will
be best, perhaps, to call on Mr Boggs to officiate; and
if this meet your approbation, will you not through
one of the family ask his presence at the appointed
time? He can go with us to Danville, and thence to
Petersburg.  do not mail any letter to Winchester
later than Nov 1 or 2, as it might not come in
time.  Write freely, fully, confidingly, up to that date
And send me a letter to Richmond, care of Rev. A.
G. Brown, so that I will find it the 11th or 12th.
I will continue to send you letters regularly until
I see you.  Had you not received mine written at
Winchester before  you wrote yours of the 14th? I will
expect another from you one day this week.  I look for
them eagerly, and they are read and re-read
with the greatest interest and gratification.
  With yours came a letter from Judkins.  He
is happy in the love of Ettie, but does no expect to be

[page 6]
married so soon as we.  He says that he must
be sure to attend Conference, and shall have
a pleasant house there: he relies on you to secure
me a happy time.
                                     The dreary days of rain have
gone, and we are enjoying a delightful and beauti
ful Autumn season. You have heard too f our
victory under Bragg in Kentucky: to God be praise!
so I think of you as very cheerful and hopeful
now.  I must again make the plea, for my sake
to beg you never be downcast and sad, but always
bright and trusting.  Yet if you do feel lonely and sad
at any time, write according to the mood, I am ever
invoking the choicest blessings of our Heavenly Father
on you.  I am ever praying that our steps may be
guided by him, and we prove through may years
a support and help to one another.  I have great
consolation too in knowing that your heart is lifted
to God in my behalf.  Wit love to you mother
and to all who love you, I am yours devotedly
                                      J. C. Granberry.

John Cowper Granberry, Chaplain of the 11th Virginia

MSS 4942

–

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

Oct. 21st) Very heavy frost last
night.  Feel not as well this morning, side
pains, & head aches, badly.  Had side rubbed
with linement.  Sun shining; but atmosphere
hazy.  Mr Miller was over here, ce matin, and
brought me a plate of fruit, consisting of fine
pears, peaches, & grapes – and a lovely bouquet.
What a pleasant home he must have;-be-
-sides the enjoyments of an interesting fam-
-ily, to have such a variety of charming sur-
-roundings.  Can such know what unhap-
-piness is?  This question causes a sigh in
response, the only answer I have the heart
to give.  Mr. Braden came a short time ago
and said some, bareheaded & frightened poor

wretches came by here this morning, – some of Whites
Cavalry – and said that a little skirmish had
occurred some two or three miles from here be-
-tween, Whites, Trahon’s & Grubb’s cavalry Cos & a
much superior force of the enemy, resulting
in the worsting of our men & their falling back.
Passed most the morning reading.  Hear the after-
-noon that Genl. Geary was in command of the
Yankee troops this morning, and dined about a mile
from here today.  A part of our force who were cut
off from the others in their retreat to the Short Hill
captured the Yankee pickets & took them along
with them.  Miss L- & Mrs P- spent the evening with
me, the latter gave me two of the Candles Lectures to read
over which had a hearty laugh.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6150