This day is perhaps the most anxious of my life. It is
believed that a battle is going on at or near Manassas. Our large household is
in a state of feverish anxiety; but we cannot talk of it. Some sit still, and
are more quiet than usual; others are trying to employ themselves. N. is
reading aloud, trying to interest herself and others; but we are all alike
anxious, which is betrayed by the restless eye and sad countenance. Yesterday
evening we were startled by the sound of myriads of horses, wheels, and men on
the turnpike. We soon found the whole of General Johnston's army was passing
by, on its way to join Beauregard, below the mountain. A note from J. M. G.,
written with a pencil at the Longwood gate, was soon brought in, to say that
they would halt at Millwood. The carriages were soon ready, and as many of the
family as could go went to Millwood to meet them. I gave up my seat to another,
for I felt too sad to meet with those dear boys marching on to such danger. Mr.
____ and the girls went. They saw my nephews, R. C. W. and B. B., and others
who were very dear to us. They report them all as in fine spirits. The people
all along the road, and in the village of Millwood, went out to meet them with
refreshments. While halting at Millwood, General Johnston announced to them
that General Beauregard had been successful in a fight the day before, near
Manassas, and that another fight was hourly pending. The troops became wild
with excitement. It is said that General Patterson has gone to join McDowell. I
trust that General Johnston may get there in time. They were passing here from
about four in the afternoon until a late hour in the night. After midnight the
heavy army wagons were lumbering by, and we ever and anon heard the tap of the
drum. We did not retire until all was still, and then none of us slept.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 40-1
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