Still at Chantilly.
Every thing quiet, nothing particularly exciting; yet we are so restless. Mrs.
C. and myself rode to the camp at Fairfax Court-House a day or two ago to see
many friends; but my particular object was to see my nephew, W. B. N., first
lieutenant in the Hanover troop. He looks well and cheerful, full of enthusiasm
and zeal; but he feels that we have a great work before us, and that we have
entered upon a more important revolution than our ancestors did in 1775. How my
heart yearned over him, when I thought of his dear wife and children, and his
sweet home, and how cheerfully he had left all for the Rake of his country. His
bright political prospects, his successful career at the bar, which for one so
young was so remarkable, his future in every respect so full of hope and
promise — all, all laid aside. But it is all right, and when he returns to
enjoy his unfettered country, his hardships will be all forgotten, in joy for
his country's triumphs. The number in camp there has greatly increased since we
came away. We came home, and made havelocks and haversacks for the men. The
camp at Harper's Ferry is said to be strong and strengthening.
Mrs. General Lee
has been with us for several days. She is on her way to the lower country, and
feels that she has left Arlington for an indefinite period. They removed their
valuables, silver, etc., but the furniture is left behind. I never saw her more
cheerful, and she seems to have no doubt of our success. We are looking to her
husband as our leader with implicit confidence; for besides his great military
abilities, he is a God-fearing man, and looks for help where alone it is to be
found. Letters from Richmond are very cheering. It is one great barracks.
Troops are assembling there from every part of the Confederacy, all determined
to do their duty. Ladies assemble daily, by hundreds, at the various churches,
for the purpose of sewing for the soldiers. They are fitting out company after
company. The large stuccoed house at the corner of Clay and Twelfth streets, so
long occupied by Dr. John Brockenbrough, has been purchased as a residence for
the President. I am glad that it has been thus appropriated. We expect to leave
this place in a day or two for Clarke County for the summer, and we part with
this dear family with a sad feeling that they may too soon have to leave it
too. Mrs. S. has already sent off her plate and paintings to a place of safety.
Mrs. C. is here with her mother. She left home when the army approached our
neighborhood; she could not stay alone with her little son. Like ourselves, she
brought off in her carriage what valuables she could, but necessarily has left
much, which she fears may be ruined. Oh, that I had many things that are locked
up at home! so many relics — hair of the dead, little golden memorials, etc. — all
valueless to others, but very dear to our hearts. Alas, alas! I could not go
back for them, and thieves may break through and steal. I trust that the
officers will not allow it to be done, and try to rest contented.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 25-7
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