Poor Fredericksburg! The enemy on the Stafford side of the
river in force; their cannon planted on the hills. Day before yesterday they demanded
the surrender of the town, which was declined by General Lee. They then
threatened to shell it, at nine o'clock this morning; but it is now night and
it has not been done. It is hourly expected, however, and women and children
are being hurried off, leaving every thing behind, except what they can get off
in bundles, boxes, etc. There is no transportation for heavy articles. The
Vandals threw a shell at a train of cars filled with women and children. It
burst very near them, but they were providentially protected. A battle is daily
expected. In the mean time the sufferings of wandering women and children are
very great.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 171-2
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