Diary of Betty Herndon Maury - September 20, 1861

Friday [20 September 1861]

Got a letter from Dick. He says that the 24th regiment has no field officers and therefore he, as Major, finds himself in command! The Col had been promoted. The Lieut Col’ was absent on leave and the Major had resigned in disgust. I know Dick will do his best, but he is so young and has so little military experience. God help him. I cannot help thinking it was a most injudicious appointment.

The Yankees are fitting out a secret expedition. It is suspected to be against the Rappannock. Cary’s regiment has been ordered down to Middlesex, on the left bank of the river.

Fanny, our servant that ran away three months ago, came back last night of her own
accord. She refuses still to appologize to Nanny for her misconduct. Says she wants to be sold or hired out.

Will wants to bring Bob and Dr. Young here!!!

Papa talks of bringing the family back.

Diary of Betty Herndon Maury - September 19, 1861

Thursday 19th [September 1861]

Got a letter from Will. Says that his brother Bob, and Dr. Goring have just arrived from Washington. They went to Wilmington and came down through Deleware and Maryland and across the bay. They were suspected and taken prisoners at West Point and brought up to Richmond in charge of an officer but were soon set at liberty. I am thankful that Bob has come to join the right side.

No news about the appointment. I am afraid Will won’t get it.

Diary of Betty Herndon Maury - September 18, 1861

Wednesday [18th September 1861]

Walker, our inefficient Secretary of War, has resigned.

Nannie is better to day. Mr. Corbin came last night.

Hobby School

I have learned that the log and brick schoolhouse in Falmouth, Virginia is known as the Hobby School. This information comes from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library History Point page at: http://www.historypoint.org/columns2.asp?column_id=495&column_type=tour

Log and Brick Schoolhouse, Falmouth, Virginia

Falmouth, Virginia is across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg and is part of Stafford County.

Today I went out with my camera to the Falmouth Cemetery, established in 1727. While wandering around the cemetery, I discovered a schoolhouse of what seemed to me most unusual construction: I have never seen anything like it before. It was constructed of brick and logs, and rather than try to describe it, I will insert two photos of it here.

Can anyone point me to more information about this style of construction?

Diary of Betty Herndon Maury - September 17, 1861

Tuesday 17th [September 1861]

Will arrived last Saturday. He has some hope that Judge Halliburton will give him the office of Receiver for this District, but I am afraid he will be disappointed. Mr Rowe and Mr Chew are both very sanguine. Judge H must be an old hypocritie to lead all to hope.

I persuaded Will to return to Richmond Monday to remain until it is decided and look after his interests.

I went down with Nanny to Farley Vale on Monday to spend a week. She was taken quite sick soon after we arrived. I felt very anxious about her, there being no other white person on the place besides myself. At dinner time I sent Jim with the horses to borrow one of the neighbour’s carriages and prevailed upon Nanny to come up with me this morning. Uncle Bradie says it is the best thing I could have done.

Diary of Betty Herndon Maury - September 13, 1861

Friday [13 September 1861]

Dick left this morning for Manassas. He has been ordered to join the twenty fourth Virginia regiment near the chain bridge about a mile above Georgetown.

Papa talks of renting a furnished house in Charlottesville.