1863 February 7 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.

[from the diary of Mary S. Boyden, daughter of the Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Rector of Walker's Church (later Christ Episcopal), Cismont, Va.]

Saturday 7th  Mr M[ountjoy] spoke of going this morn
=ing, but I begged him not to go till Monday
& go to church on Sunday with us - After a
little persuasion, he consented - But I found I had
done what I ought not in inviting him - I did
not pray as I ought this morning - & consequent
=ly did not feel right - was proud & puffed up
when father spoke to me about the annoyance
it would cause Ma for Mr M to stay - I cried
& behaved not as a daughter should, but was
afterwards very sorry for it, & prayed to God to
make me more humble - A lovely day - More
"music lessons" today - I never felt so much like
a brother to a sister to any stranger before -  & I
have no other feeling towards him - The more I see
of him the better I like him.  He is good and
amiable - treats the children with as much pa=
=tience & good nature as Hanson would do - & is so
thoroughly a gentleman.  He is engaged in the secret
service, that is, as a spy on the Yankees - a very
dangerous service.  But er is brave & cautious
He told us of the capture of Dr Powell -  by the
Enemy - I hope he may not be hardly used by
them.