Just received a visit from my nephew, Willoughby Newton, who
is on his way to Fauquier to be married. I had not seen him since he lost his
leg. He is still on crutches, and it made my heart bleed to see him walk with
such difficulty. I believe that neither war, pestilence, nor famine could put
an end to the marrying and giving in marriage which is constantly going on.
Strange that these sons of Mars can so assiduously devote themselves to Cupid
and Hymen; but every respite, every furlough, must be thus employed. I am glad
they can accomplish it; and if the “brave deserve the fair,” I am sure that the
deeds of daring of our Southern soldiers should have their reward. My niece, Louisa
Brockenbrough, of Lexington, would have been married to-morrow night, but her
betrothed, Captain Semms, has been ordered off to meet the enemy. The marriage
is, of course, postponed. Poor fellow! I trust that he may come safely home.
I have just written to Colonel Northrup, CommissaryGeneral,
to ask an appointment as clerk in his department. So many of the young men have
been ordered to the field, that this office has been open to ladies. My cousin,
Colonel F. G. Ruffin, of the same office, has interested himself for me. They
require us to say that we are really in want of the office—rather a work of
supererogation, I should say, as no lady would bind herself to keep accounts
for six hours per day without a dire necessity.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 243-4
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