“Confirmation of the sad news” | Voices of the Civil War

Anna Johnson Sanders (ca. 1815-1890). Diary entries for July 1863. George Nicholas Sanders Family Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress

Sun 5, July: News of a heavy fight at Gettysburg Penn.-Report of a victory on our side. Also that Meade who took Hooker’s place in the Yankee army is killed or mortally wounded.

Wed. 8. July. The Yankee flag of truce boat refuses us newspapers, and we get no further positive intelligence of Lee, tho there are reports that he captured 40,000 prisoners at Gettysburg. There is however a sad rumor which creates gloom. -That Vicksburg is fallen! We still hope not. . . .

Th. 9. July. . . . P. M. The extra gives confirmation of the sad news. The Fall of Vicksburg & the retreat of Lee.

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