May 8th, 1862

Today, I met up with Clarissa again. I told her about my experiences at the Commission. I explained to her about Henry and the man who got shot in the head. It's so devastating seeing many lives lost, feeling hopeless knowing theres really nothing you can do. It hurts to be so close to many deaths of your own people. Clarissa told me about how she hasn't heard from her husband in a few weeks either, which worries the both of us.

Late evening, we got a letter sent to the town about the Battle of McDowell that is now occurring. It is being fought in Highland country, a part of Virginia. In this battle, the Union has 6,500 strength over the Confederates 6,000. The Unions commanders are Robert H. Milroy and

Robert C. Schenck. As for the Confederates, is Stonewall Jackson. I pray that this is a strong war and the Union takes victory with all the strength they have, and over powering number of soldiers. They have been forced to fight and become stronger, all they need is encouragement. I know they will be able to do this. They have been training very hard and have already, had many successes. Hopefully, this will be one of the many others.