what a sad and terrible blow this is to our poor cause! Will we, can we ever recover from this blow? I fear not. Virginians have heretofore acted in this war with a noble, self sacraficing heroism, but will they in the future, after their poor old Mother has been handed over to the invader, still act as they should in continuing to fight on, untill victory is ours, or the last hope is gone.

are awaiting orders from Genl Lomax, whether we shall retire to our picket line, or move on up the Valley.
a windy, rainy disagreable day.
have 24 men, rank and file for duty in the comy. Regt 120 men.

April 7t

Left the church at daylight. Came to New Market. was sent with three men to Strausburg [sp. Strasburg] to discern the movements of the enemy. got