Evening star., 1941-11-18
CHAPTER XVII.
iesday. April %, 1861.

CHAPTER XVII.
Tuesday. April %, 1861.
The city seems quiet this beau
tlful spring morning. l received q
note from Churchill Gordon saying
we must leave Washington and
spend the summer with them in
Virginia. 1t was kind, but I had
rather be here where we receive all
news more quickly.
My old friend, Col. Gardner, from
Newport, also came to see me and
begged that we leave the city, said
there were ten thousand men from
the North on their way here, that a.
Southerners we would not be safe
We have so many old friends in the
Army that feel sure we would be in
no danger.
The thought of leaving makes me
very unhappy. Here I am quickly in
touch with all that transpires and
can hear of my dear boy, and I do
not wish to give up our own home
] shall remain as long as it is poSSl-
bic without danger to my children.
Chandler has joined the Federal
Army. Has commission as first
lieutenant. Vic will not see him
will not speak to him. Oh. the waste
of devotion Real love is so rare and
youth so blind. Bob Crawford spent
the night with us. I retired early
sick at heart.
Monday, April 30. 1861.
Charming weather.
More and more troops arriving.
A letter from my dear SON; he
was at James Hunters, on the James
River, but expected to leave the
next day for Richmond,
He wishes me to leave the city
and 90 to our relatives in Abe
marle-ve shall remain at home as
long As we find 1t possible.
This has been a month of great
snxiety-the country riven with dis
sensions, with no prospect Of the evil
becoming less Our destinies are in
the hands of an all-wise God-may
He in His merciful goodness pre-
vent this frightful, fratricidal con-
fict and grant us peace.
Wednesday. May l, 1861.
Cloudy and cold,
May has changed its character
since the romantic days of poetry
and instead of being ushered IN
with the flowers and cloudless skies
we have chilling blasts and storms
Of wind and rain.
This is in accordance with the
disturbed state of the times.
More troops arrived today from
the North. 1t is rumored that an
attack on Alexandria is expected
within the next few days.
Tuesday. May !, 1861.
Warmer today.
This morning Vic and Julia went
to the depot to meet Matte Poor;
when they arrived they found the
depot filled with armed soldiers
they became alarmed and put them
selves under the protection OF ar
Army officer, who was very couteou!
and brought them home safely. They
were so frightened they forgot te
ask his name.
Heard today Of Maj. Emory''
resignation.
This afternoon Virginia Tayloe
came to take me for drive. We
drove out to the Soldiers Home and
on our return stopped at the Stones
lovely place where the 7th Regiment
Is encamped. They have charming
military band and are a wonderful
looking body Of men. We stayed tc
see them drill. but oh, to think
they are drilling to kill-and to kill
my own people.
The house next to Gen. Totten's
is occupied by troops.
Thursday. May 9, 1861.
Delightful day.
A letter from my dear son; he
writes that he has been promoted
to q captain in the Virginia Army
and attached to Gen. j. E. John
ston's staff. This we hope is gooc
news.
Friday, April 10, 1861.
Cold today.
A part Of Gen. Twiggs' command
which he surrendered to Texas
marched by this morning looking
very weather. beaten and weary
They are quartered in an empty
house on G street.
Saturday, May IL, 1861.
Thirty years have I been married
this day and never in my life have
been so surrounded by such s
complication of unfortunate circum
stances as at the present time
Obliged to forsake my home, to scat
ter my children. some here. som,
there; to know that my darling sol
Is IN constant danger, to endur,
poverty, to see armed men every
where. knowing that they are tn
enemies Of my own people, and neve
knowing the outcome of this fright
full war.
feel desolate.
Sunday. May IL, 1861.
A calm, beautiful day. Every on
at church.
1t has been decided that we mus
accept the invitation of our kin
relatives and leave tomorrow 70
Charlottesville.
A great many of our friends cam
today to say farewell.
I retired with a sad heart at tn
thought OF leaving our sweet home
perhaps forever.
X
We had a pleasant travel, encour
tering many soldiers, all eager for
fight all ardent for their right