Judith White McGuire, Diary of a southern refugee during the war, by a lady of Virginia

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[68]

The news from Western Virginia not confirmed. Another rumour of a fight on Cheat Mountain, in which General Jackson, with some regiments of Georgians, repulsed the Federal General Reynolds.

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October 11th, 1861.

Every thing apparently quiet, and we, in the absence of bad news, are surrounded by a most peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. Our communication with the outer world cut off by the freshet in the Shenandoah, so that we had no mail yesterday. Mr.-- has gone to Richmond on business. He wrote from Culpeper Court- House, at which place he stopped to see J., a most pleasing account of the hospitals, and the care taken of the sick.

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October 12th, 1861.

M. P. and myself drove to Millwood for the mail, and then made an agreeable visit to Mr. and Mrs. J. We found several letters from family and friends ; one from my sister, Mrs. C., who with her whole family (except her sons,) married daughters and single, are about to rent the Presbyterian Parsonage, in Hanover, and keep house. As they are all refugees, and have the means, it is a most pleasant idea. The Rev. Mr. H., who was the occupant of the house, has gone to the army as captain of a company which he raised for the purpose.

The papers mentioned the capture of a vessel called “The Fanny,” on the coast of North Carolina, laden with blankets, greatcoats, arms and ammunition. A most valuable prize.

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October 16, 1861.

We had a pleasant evening. While N. read the papers we were knitting for the soldiers. An account is given of some small successes. Our men, near Pensacola, have broken up the camp of “Billy Wilson's zouaves,” of which we have heard so much; and Captain Hollins of the navy has broken the blockade at New