A letter of farewell from the Valley, written as the enemy's
lines were closing around our loved ones there. It is painful to think of their
situation, but they are in God's hands.
It is said that Lee's army and Meade's are approaching each
other. Oh, I trust that a battle is not at hand! I feel unnerved, as if I could
not stand the suspense of another engagement. Not that I fear the result, for I
cannot believe that Meade could whip General Lee, under any circumstances; but
the dread casualties! The fearful list of killed and wounded, when so many of
our nearest and dearest are engaged, is too full of anguish to anticipate
without a sinking of heart which I have never known before.
There was a little fight some days ago, near Brandy Station —
the enemy driven across the river. Fredericksburg and Culpeper Court-House are
both occupied by our troops. This is very gratifying to our Fredericksburg refugees,
who are going up to see if they can recover their property. All movables, such
as household furniture, books, etc., of any value, have been carried off. Their
houses, in some instances, have been battered down.
I was in Richmond this morning, and bought a calico dress,
for which I gave $2.50 per yard, and considered it a bargain; the new
importations have run up to $3.50; and $4 per yard. To what are we coming?
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 234-5
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