Went on the street to hear some news; found that a dispatch
had been received, ordering a body of men to go on to Pattonsburg to burn down
the fine bridge over the James river, to prevent Averill's escape ; Averill is
at Salem with 4000 men.
At 11 o'clock, Imboden's cavalry and artillery passed
through. It is the first time I have seen an army. Poor fellows ! with their
broken down horses, muddy up to the eyes, and their muddy wallets and blankets,
they looked like an army of tatterdemalions; the horses looked starved. Then
came the Home Guard, drenched and muddy, as if they had seen hard service,
though they had only been out four days; but such weather! It rained terribly,
the rain part of the time freezing as it fell; and they were out in it all: stood
round their fires all night, or lay down in the puddles of water. At 3 P. M. Gen.
Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry (2700) passed through. Their horses were in better
condition. All the men in both divisions looked in fine spirits, and cheered
vociferously as the ladies waved scarves and handkerchiefs on their passing.
People brought out waiters of eatables for the poor tired men. I put our
dinner, which was just ready, on a waiter, and sent it down to them. Found Bro.
E. and brought him home to dinner, and filled his haversack. All went on to
Collierstown last night . Bro. W. is Lt. Col. of the Home Guards. They were all
sent on for the protection of Lexington last night, it being supposed that
Averill would advance upon us from Salem. An exciting day indeed.
At night my husband came; the Cadets were water bound; some
of them waded to their waists in water, building bridges for artillery. Mr. P.
says he saw one marching along in his naked feet. This is "glorious
war "!
Received a note from A. enclosing a Flag of Truce letter
from J. Thankful that my dear father is better. J. says, “It doesn't matter how soon all of us
go.” She would feel so indeed, if she were in the midst of such war scenes as
now surround us.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and
Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 173-4
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