Vicksburg was surrendered on the 4th of July. The terms of
capitulation seem marvellously generous for such a foe. What can the meaning
be?
General Lee has had a most bloody battle near Gettysburg.
Our loss was fearful. We have heard of no casualties except in general
officers. General Richard Garnett, our friend and connection, has yielded up
his brave spirit on a foreign field. He was shot through the head while
standing on the fortifications, encouraging his men and waving them on to the
fight. How my heart bleeds to think of his hoary-headed father, of whom he was
the stay! General Barksdale, of Mississippi, is another martyr. Also General
Armstead, of Virginia. Generals Kemper and Pender wounded. I dread to hear of
others. Who of our nearest kin may have ceased to live? When I think of
probabilities and possibilities, I am almost crazy. Some of our men are
reported wounded and in the enemy's hands. They took many prisoners. The cars
are rushing up and down with soldiers. Two trains with pontoons have gone up
within the last two days. What does it all portend?
SOURCE: McGuire, Judith W., Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 229
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