[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
Wednesday 23d The day opened cloudy–But it has cleared off again–
No letters or papers from Richmond–Sarah & Mrs Walters too have disap-
-pointed us–We have been looking for them anxiously all day–& as
they have not come we are fearful little William is sick–
MSS 6960
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding of the 25th Massachusetts]
Tuesday
July 22
Went out on company drill this
forenoon. This afternoon the regiment
went over the river on brigade drill. Capt.
O’Neil was in command of the regiment.
MSS 11293
[letter of “Irving” written at Head Quarters Department No 2 to Richard Bayly Buck begun on July 19 concludes]
July 22d Col Brent, returned
from Richmond yesterday – & states that Cap
Simpson is a prisoner at Fort Warren–
Now Dick please write me im
-mediately & direct it Care Brig Gen Thos Jordan
Chief of Staff, Chattanooga Tenn–
All the boys are well & send love
Ever yr aff Cous
Irving
MSS 3064
Camp on White House Farm
July 22nd 1862
I am thinking of you, my darling, even more constantly than
usual. This day twelve months ago I went through rain and storm
from Ashland to Richmond to meet you, my heart tilled with joyous an-
ticipation of the happiness that would be ours as we
enjoyed each others society in that little village. I remember
my walk through the wet streets to the Danville Depot and my
disappointment when the cars came and I looked in vain for
your dear face. Then I wended my way slowly back to the
Hotel and found your telegram to tell me of the sickness of our
dear Mother, and I walked to the Office of Genl. Fauntleroy
and obtained a short leave of absence. The next morning
I started for home about this hour and soon I held you in my
embrace. Will you ever forget our ride to Oak Hill? So full of
bliss and joy. The memory of it often visits me, and I see you,
darling, clearly, distinctly, as you looked that day. How full of
love your face was. And as we talked and kissed each other
between the sentences, and listened to the gay prattle of our
dear boys who were in the carriage with us, did the sun,
in his course around the earth, shine on a happier couple
than you, dearest wife of my heart, and I were? When will
these happy times come again? Let us, darling, look reverently
and prayerfully up to our Heavenly Father and beseech him
too dispel the dark clouds that hang over us and reunite
us in peace and joy. I know what sincere petitions you send
up to the Throne of Grace. Let us encourage each other,
Dearest, in well doing, and trust with christian courage
and christian faith to the mercy and compassion and loving
[page 2]
Kindness of Him who gave his only begotten Son for us.
I have nothing new or of interest to write you.
Col. Goode was quite sick yesterday and is no better to-day, and
I am thus placed in command of the Regiment. I was a little
amused darling, a the delight you so heartily expressed at my not
meeting the enemy who were reported as crossing over into
King William, you say you love me so much that you
cannot wish me any opportunity for distinction where my life will
be placed in jeopardy.–Dearest, I merely desire to perform my
duty. I have not thirst for military fame for I know it is
won through blood and tears and suffering. But I do
desire to aid in driving the base invaders from the Soil of
Virginia. I am amazed that men can sit quietly at home
when they see the fate that awaits us if the enemy
succeed in subjugating us–I am sitting now as I write
you in full view of what was, before the invasion,
one of the loveliest estates in Virginia. It is now
a scene of desolation. The fields are naked, the fences
destroyed, the houses burned down, the laborers stolen
away, and the owners fugitives, and if this were all
their wealth, beggars.
Farewell my darling. My love to Josie & your
Mother. Kiss the children for me. Remember me to the
servants. I press you to my heart, my own, dear wife,
and kiss you over and over again, & pray God to have you
in his holy keeping and to protect you from all evil.
Yr affec. husband,
John T. Thornton
John Thruston Thornton, University of Virginia alumnus, lawyer, and Captain, Co. K, 3rd Virginia Cavalry
MSS 4021
[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton of the 23rd Ohio]
Tuesday, July 22, 1862
Another day
and nothing good done
Guard Mounting no
parade. With drill as
usual
Turned a snake
skin for a boy of Co
C
MSS 10317
[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]
F & I- though it looked like it would
rain started off for a walk met bro
C – who turned back & we took a very nice
walk–my thoughts were with you. I could
not help wishing it was my “Mr Ambler.”
Oh dear wishes of peace & fond
meetings come rushing through my
mind–Oh! for one moments happiness
such as I know will be mind when I see you
once again.
Sis Fannie came over & brought all the
children to spend the day–such noise &
confusion amongst the young folks. they
at least are as happy as ever: No s[ins?],
no sorrow,–Jacque is better I gave him
the last calomel this morning–
Bro C has advised Fannie not to try to
go with him, so we will both wait
till he goes home, & sends Pa down
for us–He will tell Pa that father will
send us to the River any time that he
will meet us there, or if that arrangement
does not suit him, come down himself.
Br Charles begged father to appoint a
day & send us & let Pa know of it but no
news–nothing would do but that Pa
must send some one all the way over
[partial transcript by granddaughter Anne Madison Wright Baylor, 1972]
MSS 6960
[from the diary of Dr. Brodie Strachan Herndon]
22nd Our good & faithful servants
leave us. After 32 years of
living together it is a painful parting
The think Divine Providence has
sent them their liberty and that it
is right for them to take it. They take
leave with many expressions of affection
I was away at the time and
was glad to be so
MSS 2563-b
[from the diary of William M. Blackford, bank officer and former diplomat with five sons in the Confederate Army]
Tuesday 22
Went at qr past 5 with
Mathew to the Orange Depot. His
Baggage was not en-place but he
went on–another letter from Eugene
-He announces he is commissioned as
Major–wants a horse at once
and a servant–both very diffi
cult to procure just now. Startled
to hear of Capt. Hobbes death–Went
with Dr. Minor to see Tom Miller
at my instance–they requested D.M.
to take charge of the case. He thinks
the wound a very grave one & that
an operation–the resection of the joint
will be necessary. No mail from
Richd. News of the wonderful ex
ploits of Morgan in Kentucky: He
was within 30 miles of Louisville
which cities & Cincinnatti are in
agonies of alarm I hope he
will take both
MSS 4763
[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at as later date]
Went to Winchester today with Mary Frances. Pickets were on the road but allowed us to pass without a pass from their general. there were very few in town. The pickets told us a fight was expected every day. We heard of a fight at Gordonsville at which we were victorious. There was a great panic which caused the rumor of their possession of the place. Morgan, the American [states?], has every city of any consequence in the state of Kentucky in a state of siege, each one afraid to assist the other and leave itself unprotected while he is quickly proceeding on his march through the state. Cold and rainy day.
MSS 9757
[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
Tuesday 22d–We are all so much pleased to get Liz back again. Mrs Phillips has
called to see her. It is cloudy today–No letters or papers have come–But
we are looking anxiously for Sarah & Mrs Walters–Liz brought up my
trunk of silver- & told me all about home–So much gained by her trip to
Wilmington. Mr Parker left to night–Eliza & Liz went up after tea to see
Mrs Person she is quite sick–Cousin Sally London left this morning for
Raleigh to stay with Alice–Christian Campbell called in a few minutes
after Church–Mr McRae & Mr Marshall came to see Sudie & Mollie
MSS 6960
