The Federals are this morning ascending James River, with a
fleet of thirty-nine vessels — four monitors among them. The battle between Lee
and Grant imminent. God help us! We feel strengthened by the prayers of so many
good people. All the city seems quiet and trusting. We feel that the Lord will
keep the city. We were at our own prayer-meeting at St. James's this morning at
half-past six. Yesterday evening we heard most fervent prayers from the Young
Men's Christian Association. To-day Dr. Reid's Church will be open all day for
prayer. I am sorry that I shall not be able to go before the afternoon.
Grant's force is said to be between one hundred and fifty
and one hundred and eighty thousand men. The “battle is not always to the
strong,” as we have often experienced during the past three years.
We spent last evening at the Ballard House, with Dr. S. and
my dear S. She is hastening to her ill child; he must return to his post;
private griefs cannot now be indulged.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 262
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