The report of Hindman's having captured Curtis untrue; but
our army is doing well in the West. Murfreesboro', in Tennessee, has been
captured by Confederates — a brigade, two brigadiers, and other officers,
taken. “Jack Morgan” is annoying and capturing the Kentucky Yankees.
The true Southerners there must endure an almost unbearable
thraldom!
A long letter from S. S., describing graphically their
troubles when in Federal lines. Now they are breathing freely again. A number
of servants from W. and S. H., and indeed from the whole Pamunky River, went
off with their Northern friends. I am sorry for them, taken from their
comfortable homes to go they know not where, and to be treated they know not
how. Our man Nat went, to whom I was very partial, because his mother was the
maid and humble friend of my youth, and because I had brought him up. He was a
comfort to us as a driver and hostler, but now that we have neither home,
carriage, nor horses, it makes but little difference with us; but how, with his
slow habits, he is to support himself, I can't imagine. The wish for freedom is
natural, and if he prefers it, so far as I am concerned he is welcome to it. I
shall be glad to hear that he is doing well. Mothers went off leaving children —
in two instances infants. Lord have mercy upon these poor misguided creatures!
I am so thankful that the scurf of the earth, of which the Federal army seems
to be composed, has been driven away from Hanover. I would that
"Clarke" were as free.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 128
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