We were aroused this morning before daylight, by reports
that the Yankees were making a raid, and were very near this place. We all
dressed hastily, and the gentlemen went out to devise means to stop the trains
which were to pass through. Though within five miles of us, they became aware
that notice had been given of their purpose, and they immediately turned their
steps to some more private place, where they might rob and plunder without
molestation. The miserable poltroons, when on one of their raids, will become
frightened by the sudden rising of a covey of partridges, and be diverted from
their course; then they will ride bravely to a house, where they know they will
only find women and children; order meals to be prepared; search the house;
take the valuables; feed their horses at the barns; take off the horses from
the stables; shoot the pigs, sheep, and other stock, and leave them dead in the
fields; rob the poultry-yards; then, after regaling themselves on the meals
which have been prepared by force, with the threats of bayonets and pistols,
they ride off, having pocketed the silver spoons and forks, which may have unwittingly
been left in their way.
I have been in Richmond for two days past, nursing the wounded
of our little hospital. Some of them are very severely injured, yet they are
the most cheerful invalids I ever saw. It is remarked in all the hospitals that
the cheerfulness of the wounded in proportion to their suffering is much
greater than that of the sick. Under my care, yesterday, was one poor fellow,
with a ball embedded in his neck; another with an amputated leg; one with a
hole in his breast, through which a bullet had passed; another with a shattered
arm; and others with slighter wounds; yet all showed indomitable spirit;
evinced a readiness to be amused or interested in every thing around them;
asked that the morning papers might be read to them, and gloried in their late
victory; and expressed an anxiety to get well, that they may have another “chance
at them fellows.” The
Yankees are said to have landed at West Point, and are thence sending out
raiding parties over the country. Colonel Davis, who led the party here on the
third, has been severely wounded by a scouting party, sent out by General Wise
towards Tunstall's Station. It is said he has lost his leg. So may it be!
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 213-4
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