Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 02.djvu/89

 Hist. He spoke often, while in his right mind, and in his delirium, affectionately of his mother, of Sergeant Stafford and myself. May his brave spirit rest in peace.

October 1st—Suffered much all day. The doctors were very atentiveattentive [sic], visiting me often. The ladies redoubled their kindness, sending delicacies, calling to see me, making inquiries, etc. Passed a sleepless night.

October 2d and 3d—Quite sick, ate very little, and slept none at all. The nerves in my left foot, below my wound, cause me real agony. My comrades in the office are cheerful and seem to improve. Sergeant Lynes, of the Fourteenth North Carolina, is a native of the North, but is a true Southerner in sentiment. Some of our best soldiers were born in the North, and deserve honor for their devotion to truth and their adopted homes.

October 4th—The Yankee Provost Marshal visited and paroled us. The precaution was unnecessary, as none of us are able to escape, if opportunity offered. Am much better to-day.

October 5th and 6th—Rumors are rife that General Early will attempt to retake Winchester soon. This is very improbable, as Sheridan's forces are too numerous. Reinforcements pass by the office every day, going to the front, and Early's army must be a mere handful of exhausted, illy equipped men, incapable of any offensive movement. The ladies bring us all kinds of reports, usually very cheering. They always look on the bright side. Mosby's men venture into the city quite often at night, to see relatives and friends, and gain all the information they can. They are greeted warmly, and secreted by the citizens until they are ready to leave the city. The risk they run is very great, but they are daring scouts, accustomed to danger, and fond of its excitements.

October 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th—My wound is slowly improving. I bought some tobacco with Confederate money, sold it for greenbacks, and bought a new hat for $3.00. My old military cap was lost as I was carried off the battlefield. The probability is that I will be unable to use my new one in many days to come. Miss Janet F—— sent off some letters for us through the lines to Southern Dixie, by means of some of Mosby's men, who are very often in the city. All of us wrote to the loved ones at home. These bold young scouts carry out haversacks filled with letters every night. Miss Josephine G——, of Berryville, came to see us, and supplied us with socks, drawers, etc., and a bushel of fine apples. She out-generaled the pickets to secure admittance to the city, and has our