Have had various notes from Mr. P. since Saturday. Was
extremely relieved to find that he was not in the fight; that there were only
50 killed and 250 wounded, instead of 300 killed, as first reported. It is not
true that Major Ross was killed. The pursuit of the Federal forces has been
kept up for several days. Tonight, a letter from Mr. P. says they halted on
Monday, to rest the army half a day, and hear a sermon from Dr. Dabney, a
thanksgiving for the victory. This evening we hear the report that Jackson is
retreating – the Federal force having been reinforced with fresh troops. Mr. P.
says a battle seems imminent; he is not on Jackson's staff, but marching with
the corps of cadets. News of the burning of the steam iron-clad ship, Merrimac.
What a sacrifice! But I record here nothing of public news, beyond what touches
myself. It is not my purpose to do more.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and
Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 139-40
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