Hillsborough Recorder

Sept. 11, 1861

Page 3

WAR’S DESOLATION—We conversed with a gentleman yesterday who has recently visited the Peninsula section of Virginia, extending his trip as far as Black River.  He informs us that the desolateness of the entire country for miles around Hampton is positively painful.  He observed splendid fields of wheat rotting, and entire acres of corn fast being destroyed by hogs.  Fences are torn down, houses deserted, beautiful flower gardens overrun with grass, valuable orchards unprotected, and in every portion of what were lately considered the most valuable farms in Virginia, cattle now roam free and unrestrained.  War’s ravages, like a deadly blight, have passed over all, leaving naught but destruction in its track.

--Petersburg Express--

 

 

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]