On Friday last there was a severe fight on the Rapidan, at
Germanna Ford. The enemy were splendidly repulsed; but my dear Raleigh T.
Colston, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second Regiment, was shot through his left
leg, which was amputated on the field. I thank God that he is doing well, and
feel so thankful that his life was spared! His mother was in Powhatan, on a
visit to one of her daughters; but, becoming uneasy at seeing that General
Edward Johnson's Division had been engaged, immediately came to Richmond. The
cars arrived at night, and she came directly to our rooms. We were surprised to
see her, and I, supposing that she had heard of her son's misfortune, was about
to say what I could to relieve her mind, when she exclaimed, “I know that my
sons are safe, from your countenance.” “Yes,” said I; “W. is safe, and R. is
doing well; he was wounded in his leg.” “Severely?” she asked. “His left
leg has been amputated below the knee; he is at the University, under the care
of Mr. and Mrs. Minor and his sisters, and is doing remarkably well. Colonel
Ruffin received a telegram to-day, and I a letter.” She passed her hand across
her eyes for a minute, and said, “Thank God, his life is spared!” Next morning
she left us for the University.
General Bragg has met with a repulse in the South-west, and
was pursued; but, being reinforced, has again attacked the enemy and repulsed
them. This occurred in the Northwestern part of Georgia. The papers say that
the enemy under General Grant has retreated towards Chattanooga. Longstreet,
when last heard from, was at Knoxville. Meade, on the Rapidan, after having
been in line of battle for several days, has fallen back, finding that General
Lee was ready to meet him.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 245-6
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