Monday July 1, 1861

William left very early this morning on a chance train to Marietta.  He has started to Washington, will go by river to Wheeling, thence by railroad through Pittsburg, Harrisburg & Baltimore.  In the present state of the country it is trying to him and to us to be so far separated.  I think he felt sad but he was composed and selfsustained.  May the Lord be his keeper.  Four trains passed during the night with troops.  The Thirteenth regiment. It is cool for the season.  We have had very little rain.  The gardens and the potato crop are needing it badly.  The rain yesterday was too light to do much good.We are constantly hearing of skirmishes but do not always find the reports confirmed.  I find my record of passing events as I look it over is very meager.  There was however an attack a few nights ago made on the guard near the Tunnel on the M. and C. by a dozen miscreants who, it is supposed meant to rescue a prisoner that was under guard as a spy from Richmond.  About twenty shots were exchanged when the attacking party decamped.  Mr. Lutz dined with us.  He was a classmate of Ephe's.