Another raid upon Fredericksburg; much mischief done! They
are preparing for a second evacuation of the town! The number of refugees will
be greatly increased, and where are they to go? Poor homeless wanderers,
leaving business and the means of support to the mercy of a vindictive
soldiery!
Letters from our Valley friends taking leave of us, written
some time ago, when the enemy were again closing around them. We are very
anxious about them. Their situation is becoming pitiable; every new set of
troops help themselves to whatever suits their fancy—stock of all sorts, grain,
meat, every thing valuable and portable! Silver, glass, china, has to be
buried, and very adroitly, or it is found. Some of the servants are very
unfaithful, and let the enemy in to the most private places. There are some
honourable exceptions to this last remark. Our relative, Mr. P., has moved
below the mountains for security; but he was in the habit, when at home, of
intrusting every thing to his house-servant, including his wine and ardent
spirits— and it was all kept sacredly — the master knew not where; but on each
departure of the enemy every thing would be returned to its accustomed place, in
good order.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 171
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