Evening star., 1941-11-21
CHAPTER Xxx.
Sunday, September 80, 1861.


The girls spent the day with their
cousins. the Wellfords, at Sabine
Hall" Kate Wexford is to be mar
ried next month.
Mr.. Randolph, the Episcopal min
lister. came home with Vic after the
evening service. Vic played on the
piano and sang many songs. He has
a charming voice. I did enjoy the
music.
Wednesday, October 2, 1861.
Gloomy day.
Reported that large army OF
Federals have crossed to Alexandria
with the intention Of destroying the
fortifcations on the Potomac, but
We can hear no more.
I am becoming restless. I should
like to be in Washington, where one
can hear the authentic war news
quickly Rumors without contlrma-
ton are maddening to those who
are anxious for their loved ones
and for their country.
I think I shall return to Wash
ington. even if the travelling is
fraught with danger.
FRIDAY, October IL, 1861.
A pleasant day.
A number of visitors today; Mrs
Douglas Gordon, DR.. Mason, Mrs.
Wexford and others.
We talked of nothing but war, war
Sunday. October 13, 1861.
Beautiful day, but only nature
smiles: our hearts are too filled with
anxiety and dread Of what the day
may bring forth to indulge in
smiles.
I walked to church this morning.
Found the church filled with Grip
pied soldiers, a pitiful sight, some
of them mere boys.
heard at church that Capt.
Follins sunk the ship Preble at
the mouth of the Mississippi.
No other war news.
Wednesday, October Is, 1861.
Heavy frost last night, very cool
this morning.
There was much excitement all
day yesterday due to heavy firing
heard very close. 1t was rumored
that it was a gunboat commanded
by a Federal officer who rlSked
coming up the river to rescue our
friends at "ElmWood' cElmwood' is
still standing desolate-unoccupi
as it was left during the Civil War.
For many years furniture, clothes,
children's toys remained as they
were hastily left; but within the
last few years vandals broke IN the
house. taking away many beautiful
and valuable things. It is still said
to be haunted), as he knew that a
battle was expected at Frederlcks-
burg in the near future-a brave
and daring deed.
Thursday, October II, 1861.
Dense fog this morning.
Miss Writ came to see me this
morning, she is a cousin of George
Bayard, Lindsay's great friend.
The difference in our sympathies
makes no difference in our friend
ship.
I was more than glad to assist
her II procuring a flag or truce and
From there size can travel safely to
her own people.
Friday, October Is, 1861.
Clear and cold.
Charles Hunter stopped by to tell
me that his father had been made
a colonel in the Engineer Corps and
would 90 to Manassas at once TO
superintend the construction of VIM
ter quarters for the soldiers.
Mr.. Washington, the young artist
we met in Washington. was here
also spent the evening with us.
Monday, October 81, 1861.
Fog again today.
News of skirmishes at Harpers
Ferry. in which We were successful.
A letter from my dear boy. He
has been made adjutant general to
Gen. McCulloch.
Heavy firing heard today and
again late this evening.
1t proved to be an attack of the
batteries on a fleet Of vessels on the
Potomac-no particulars known ex-
cept that one ship was struck.
News came in late tonight that
there had been fierce fight at Lees
burg. The enemy routed, Gen.
Baker and several other officers
killed, six cannon and ammunition
captured
Tuesday, October 30, 1861.
Very cold.
1t was barely light this morning
when Nellie came for me, saying
that must go to Ellen Hunter at
once-that she had Just received a
dispatch from Richmond saying her
young son, Thomas. had been killed;
no further particulars.
The drive over the bad roads in
the cold, early morning seemed end
less. I found Ellen calm, distress
ingly brave, but she begged me not
to leave her.
Friday, November l, 1861.
All Saints Day.
Many friends came to see Ellen
today, Maria and Lindsay Walker,
Kate Wexford and Others.
Ellen received them as quietly as
II no tragedy had touched her life
and yet I know that her heart is
broken over the death of her beau
tiful boy.
Tuesday, November 5, 1861.
Raining
From all accounts our enemies are
beginning their hostilities with re-
neWed force, with grim determina-
ton to conquer the South. God pro.
tect US from their violencel
There has been a rupture of the
Cabinet in Washington; Cameron
and Blair have resigned-Gen. Scott
retired and Gen. Mcclellan pro.
NOTED to succeed him. The pro-
ceedingS Of inquiry in regard tc
Gen. Scott interested me deeply.
am more and more convinced that
he was viCtimized for party pur-
poses. But he will come out alright
Whatever follies he may have COM
mitted as man I do not pretend tC
Justify but as a soldier he is un-
enI1alp6