The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1921-12-05

themselves into S0cletleS,' Cnat NtIEy
might more readily aid in their work
for the soldiers.
Work was being constantly done by
day and night. We used tallow can
dies until tallow was exhausted, then
we used cord dipped in melted bees
wax wound around a bottle with one
end extending up where it was light
ed. As it burned down it was uncoil-
ed for further use. In our work we
cut, sewed, knit, spun, dyed and
made cloth which was quickly made
into garments of every description
and sent to the army.
AS I was the wife of surgeon in
the army I knew how important it
was to have lint, so boys and girls
were put to work and old pieces Of
linen were soon converted into lint.
We were not engaged in this kind
of work alone, we superintended the
industries, directed the servants and
kept things together as best we could.
Too much praise cannot be given
to the faithful servants who were so
humble, industrious, obedient and
kind, who labored for US so willingly
for four long years.
When sick, convalescent and slight
ly wounded soldiers'were returning
to their homes, there were a number
Of ladies appointed to carry dinner
to them at the railroad station about
mile from town. The comfort and
relief we were able to give those suf-
fering soldiers caused US to look for.
ward to the time with much interest.
On one occasion when + was fur
nishing dinner to, them I went into
the coach with well filled plate
when long thin hand was extended
towards me, saying give me that lady,
which I did and he ate as though he
had had. nothing for days, about the
time he had finished with his plate
I entered the coach with another
which he asked me for, but before I
could respond one sitting near said
I think it best to be careful, that
man is just recovering from typhoid
fever, upon which declined to give
him the plate; he insisted so feel
ingly that I told him if he would
promise me he would not eat it for
sometime I would put it in a package
for him. He promised that he would
not, but said "No lady, I want it on
that beautiful plate just as you have
fixed it." I said I would hate to lose
my plate and break my set. He
said, "I will send it back to you by
the conductor" 1 said, "very well,"I
never expecting to hear of it again.
The next morning I went to the
station to ask the conductor how the
soldier got on. He handed me my
china plate, saying he told me to tell
you, he had improved ever since he
got something to eat.
When President Davis, his cabinet
and an escort were retreating through
South Carolina they spent a portion
of the day and a night in Cokesbury.
They were entertained at the home
of my mother-in-law, Mrs. M. A.
Gary.
The escort was under the command
of General M. w. Gary. A large re-
ception was given them that night.
The floral offerings which were pre-
sented were beautiful roses from my
garden. I recall with pleasure an in
teresting conversation I had with
President Davis during the evening.
The party enjoyed a comfortable
night, but. at an early hour in the
morning they were hurriedly aroused
by courier bringing message in
forming President Davis that Yankee
soldiers were in pursuit of him.
They went from Cokesbury to Alb
bevilIe where the last cabinet meet
ling was held and the soldiers dis
baSded. Mrs. Davis joined the Presi-
dent and they with few others went
into Georgia where he was soon cap
tured.
The surrender of General R. E.
Lee came and the gloom that over