Sketch of Hoods Texas Brigade of the Virginia Army (Handwritten Civil War Diary)

and "the" dutch shoemaker" who gave six of us a splendid meal- "because you beze Texicons" we took our de -position for Staunton. when we arrived after an 8 hours trip. we had hardly struck our tents and prepared to rest ourselves before the head of "Jacksons" army have in sight_"what means this?" was the geniral exclamation: but echo answered what! We remained in Staunton but one night, and early next morning. We prepared to march and bring up Jacksons rear. we crossed the blue ridge after which we took the car at Beachhams station for Char -lotsville_It was indeed a beau -tiful sight. When upon the

42 heights of the Blue ridge we could see the beautiful houses, and fertile valleys of Virginia, which at that time had been spared and could be seen in the distance. The veterans of Stonewal, as they marched along on this mission of (...) on reaching Charlotsville we passed on through, taking the Richmond road, which we kept until reaching "Fredricks Hall" a station on the Va Central RR" 70 miles from Richmond. The Yanks having possession of the RR from near Richmond to Hanover Junction 80 miles distant. As we went whizing along we passed the most of "Stonewalls" army, who were on the same mission with us

50 It now became very apparent that "bloody work" was soon (to) commence around Richmond that (Link Mc") would either have to be driven form his close proximity to R or he would dig us out. Speculation (?) - It was apparent to all that we were on a rear movement - with the brave "Stonewall" at our head. having under him three divs of infantry, Ewell's, A.P. Hill's and Whitings, and some 25,000 men. for the night we went into camp at Fredrick Hall - next day being Sunday (25) - we remained in camp and Genl Jackson issued an order suspending all military du-

his, and invited all of his men to go to poreaching.. Which was in a country church nearby, some few of the regt went -and found in the congretation, That pure - christian, hero "Jackson" The most devout of the whole assemby, yet one of the plainista nd most (?) (?) hour. Early monday morning, June 24th, we took up the line of march for Ashland, distant some 22 miles from Richmond. On the morning of the 25th we camped in sight of Ashland, one of the most beautiful of Virginia towns, which had been evacuated by the Yanks, a few hours before our arrival. Our trip which up to the pursuit had been warned

(?) began to meet with difficulties in the shape of Federal soldiers, who were inclined to disupute the way - by throwing dangers missles at no (fiddling) muisc across the land and impeding our artillery. This indicated trouble and liuttle did we think that we wre on the eve of the bloodiest contest of the war. In fer to the "RICHMOND BATTLES." Though a participant in these great battles I can tell but little and can confine myself only to the part played by those, who were with me, and I can be but very imperfect in that aspect since three years have robbed over my head since that