I must continue to make some notes, as I have opportunity. . . . Listened all night for the knock of the
courier who was to return to Mr. P. bringing tidings from McCausland; but he
did not come till morning. McC. says he will dispute the whole way with the
enemy. . . . A cadet, who will probably
die, is to be removed to our house from the V. M. I. hospital this morning. I
am about to have the library carpet lifted, and the room prepared for him; he
is too ill to be taken upstairs. Mr. P.'s overseer was to drive the cattle off
from the farm at daylight. We wait the unfolding of events. I would that my
father and J. knew the situation in which I find myself to-day. I wonder if
they wouldn't pray for the defeat of those who are coming against us! Mr. P.
talks of going to join McC. He can't stay here; but with McC. he could only go
into the ranks, and he holds a Lt. Col.'s commission. I pray he may not go; for
what can that handful of men do? They may harass a little, but are too small a
force to make a stand, without the prospect of being cut to pieces.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and
Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 186
