Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/121

 Townsend's Diary January-May, 1865. 113

Crouch) about ten o'clock, and after marching about four miles, sent two ahead to make arrangements for our reception at Bote- tourt Springs, twenty miles distant. About seven miles from Buchanan some of the party obtained dinner at a Mrs. Waskey's. Having heard that it might be possible to obtain government cloth at Fincastle, we turned aside from the turnpike, about eight miles from Buchanan, and took the road toward that point. Having arrived there about 6 o'clock, we called upon Major Wilson, post quartermaster, in regard to the obtaining of the desired, cloth. Mr. Wilson having none, directed us to a Mr. Ammon. This being Sunday, the party were furnished accommodations at the homes of Mr. Wilson, Mr. Miller and Mr. Bowyer, whose kindness and hospi- tality will -ever be remembered. We attended the Presbyterian Church that night and heard the Rev. Dr. Stiles preach, and after- wards spoke to him. Our two couriers went on to Hollins' Institute, and stopped with the Rev. Dr. Seely. Two others were sent on to apprise them of the change of our destination on the part of the main body with directions to wait until Monday afternoon for their coming.

April 1 7th. Fincastle. Went to see Mr. Ammon, who informed 4 'the boys" that although he had no government cloth, he possessed some private stock, a portion of which he sold to those of the party that wished it. As he could not take Confederate money, the boys gave him a check on Purcell, Ladd & Co., for the amount he charging 75' cents per yard. After getting the cloth, the next trouble was to get it made up into suits. This was easily accomplished through the kindness of Mrs. Wilson, and the "Fincastle Female Sewing Union," who by their promptness, industry and kindness succeeded in making the clothes by 5 P. M. Immediately after this was done, the boys bade adieu to the kind people of the little town whom they will ever remember with grate- ful hearts, and started towards Botetourt Springs. Before they had gone more than four miles, darkness overtook them, and they were compelled to seek for lodgings, which they obtained at the houses of Mr. Snyder and a Widow Guch, where they were treated kindly and fared exceedingly well.. At Botetourt Springs, we waited today for the Fincastle party to return; the hours passed and night came on, and they did not arrive; suppose they stopped for the purpose of having clothes made, and we concluded to wait until tomorrow, and if they did not come, to continue our journey to Salem, as it is