Thus far had I reached when news came that our forces were
attacking the town, and had already driven the pickets in! I am well now.
We all rushed to make preparations instantly. I had just
finished washing my hair, before I commenced writing, and had it all streaming
around me; but it did not take a minute to thrust it into a loose net. Then we
each put on a fresh dress, except myself, as I preferred to have a linen
cambric worn several times before, to a clean one not quite so nice, for that
can do good service when washed. The excitement is intense; mother is securing
a few of father's most valuable papers; Lilly running around after the
children, and waiting for Charlie who cannot be found; Miriam, after securing
all things needful, has gone downstairs to wait the issue; and I, dressed for
instant flight, with my running-bag tied to my waist, and knapsack, bonnet,
veil, etc., on the bed, occupy my last few moments at home in this profitable
way.
Nobody knows what it is. A regiment has been marched out to
meet our troops, some say commanded by Van Dorn, which I doubt. The gunboats
are preparing to second them; we hear the Garrison drum and see people running,
that is all. We don't know what is coming. I believe it will prove nothing,
after all. But —! The gunboat is drawn up so as to command our street here; the
guns aimed up the street just below, and if a house falls, ours will be about
the first. Well! this time next year, we will know all of which we are now
ignorant. That is one consolation! The house will either be down or standing,
then.
SOURCE: Sarah Morgan Dawson, A Confederate Girl's
Diary, p. 105-6
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