Rumours are abundant to-day of a Federal force approaching
Strasburg. We are not at all credulous of the flying reports with which our
ears are daily pained, and yet they make us restless and uneasy. We thank God
and take courage from the little successes we have already had at Pigs Point,
Acquia Creek, Fairfax Court-House, and Philippi. These are mere trifles, they
say; well, so they are, but they are encouraging to our men, and show that we
can hold our own.
A most decided revolution is going on in our social system
throughout our old State: economy rules the day. In this neighbourhood, which
has been not a little remarkable for indulging in the elegancies of life, they
are giving up desserts, rich cake, etc. The wants of the soldiers are supplied
with a lavish hand, but personal indulgences are considered unpatriotic. How I
do admire their self-denying spirit! I do not believe there is a woman among us
who would not give up every thing but the bare necessaries of life for the good
of our cause.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 30
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