I dare to feel something like happiness today. Last night
Mr. P. returned, to my inexpressible relief and joy. Thank God for this
mercy! The Inspector-generalship was a post which did not suit Mr. Preston at
all, so he has declined it, and for the present accepts no place with Jackson.
He brings word that Jackson is making a stand 20 miles east of Harrisonburg, at
Swift-Run Gap. Mr. P. was in a little artillery skirmish while with the army,
and after learning from Jackson that he did not anticipate any battle speedily,
left him. Afterwards, hearing that the U. S. troops were advancing, and that
there was a possibility of an engagement, he turned back, offered his services
as a volunteer aid, and determined to remain until the fight was over. It soon became
clear, however, that no fight was to come off just now, according to Jackson's
opinion; perhaps no general engagement at all. So Mr. P. turned his face
homeward again. I will try not to darken my present relief, by the thought that
he may soon have to be separated from me, and I not be able to hear from him,
or hold any communication with him; for Fremont and Rosencrantz are both west
of us, each about 30 or 40 miles, and may advance against Lexington at any
time.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and
Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 137-8
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