To-day I was examined on arithmetic — “Denominate numbers,
vulgar and decimal fractions, tare and tret,” etc., etc., by Major Brewer, of
the Commissary Department. I felt as if I had returned to my childhood. But for
the ridiculousness of the thing, I dare say I should have been embarrassed. On
Monday I am to enter on the duties of the office. We are to work from nine till
three.
We have just received from our relatives in the country some
fine Irish and sweet potatoes, cabbages, butter, sausages, chines, and a ham;
and from a friend in town two pounds of very good green tea. These things are
very acceptable, as potatoes are twelve dollars per bushel, pork and bacon two
dollars fifty cents per pound, and good tea at twenty-five dollars per pound.
How are the poor to live? Though it is said that the poor genteel are
the real sufferers. Money is laid aside for paupers by every one who can
possibly do it, but persons who do not let their wants be known are the really
poor.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 247
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