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]