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May 1862

Tuesday 6th
Wind NW Clear, Cut summer wood, Made summer
Farm Pen - Raked Woods litter& hauled it to Hog Shelter.
I went to Hickory Fork where I saw Mr B Seawell and A W
Robins, Delegates appointed by a meeting of a portion of the People
held at the C.H. to go to Gloster Point and ask the Army
what their purposes and intentions were in regard to the Citizens
of this County (who are now in their power).  They were then
going down, Mr Clarke Mr Curtis & L [?] Robins went with them -

Wednesday 7
Wind W Clear, Ploughed up lot around Mr Hogg's house
and planted Cotton and Corn in it - I went to Co.Ho.
Rumor & general belief & a note from Jeff Stubbs all concur in
stating that we gained a glorious Victory Monday near Williamsburg.
We Took Six hundred Prisoners twelve pieces of Artillery & their
horses, and killed & wounded from 1500 to 2000.  Our lofs 2 or 300.
Genl Longstreets division was the only one engaged on our side -

Thursday 8
Wind SW Clear & mild, Planted some Corn near Potatoe patch.
Cut Summer wood, Raked & hauled Woods litter.
I went to Hickory Fork and dined at Belle Farm, Mefsrs Robins
& Seawell received a reply from Lt Col Rice Comdg at Gloster Point
which I copy - I dont think it amounts to much - Is it not
humiliating to be subjected to such things?

[Page 2]

Head Quarters of the Commanding Officer at
Gloucester Point Va May 6th 1862

Gentlemen -

In reply to your communication of this date allow me to
answer yourselves and the people of Gloucester County whom you represent that
persons of this County will be protected from all injury so long as the said
people shall not take up arms against the United States Government or
or give Aid and comfort to the enemy of that government.

In reply to your verbal inquiry as to colored persons who
may come within our lines, their names and those whom they
have left will be properly recorded.  As to the final disposition
to be made of this clafs of persons I respectfully refer you to
the General Commanding To whom I shall deliver over the
said persons - I beg leave to afsure you again that the
Government of the United States will kindly protect all of its
people at the South as well as the North and that the forces
under my command will scrupulously protect your lives your
property and your rights - I am

Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant
I C Rice
Lt Col Commanding at Gloucester Point