We are now anticipating a fight at Hanover Junction. General
Lee fell back to that point on Sunday last, for some good purpose, no doubt.
Our army is in line of battle on the Cedar Hill plantation. The ladies of the
family have come to Richmond to avoid the awful collision about to take place.
That house, I sadly fear, is to be another sacrifice. Our successes have been
wonderful, and evidently, I think, directed by God. We have, however, just met
with a sad reverse in Charles City County. General Fitz Lee, commanding two
brigades, fought a much larger body of men, who were strongly fortified, and
was of course repulsed. Alas, alas for our gallant army! bravery cannot always
contend safely against overwhelming numbers. We are very uneasy about our dear
ones who were in that fight. Strange stories are told of the wounded having
been bayoneted. It is difficult to believe that men of human hearts could do
such things; and while I feel unhappy about the rumour, I cannot credit it.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 274-5
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