CAMDEN, S. C. – Since we left Chester nothing but solitude,
nothing but tall blackened chimneys, to show that any man has ever trod this
road before. This is Sherman's track. It is hard not to curse him. I wept
incessantly at first. The roses of the gardens are already hiding the ruins. My
husband said Nature is a wonderful renovator. He tried to say something I else
and then I shut my eyes and made a vow that if we were a crushed people,
crushed by weight, I would never be a whimpering, pining slave.
We heard loud explosions of gunpowder in the direction of
Camden. Destroyers were at it there. Met William Walker, whom Mr. Preston left
in charge of a car-load of his valuables. General Preston was hardly out of
sight before poor helpless William had to stand by and see the car plundered. “My
dear Missis! they have cleaned me out, nothing left,” moaned William the
faithful. We have nine armed couriers with us. Can they protect us?
Bade adieu to the staff at Chester. No general ever had so
remarkable a staff, so accomplished, so agreeable, so well bred, and, I must
say, so handsome, and can add so brave and efficient.
SOURCES: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin
and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 384
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