The scarcity of blank-books, and the very high prices, make
them unattainable to me; therefore I have determined to begin another volume of
my Diary on some nice wrapping-paper which I happen to have; and though not
very pleasant to write on, yet it is one of the least of my privations.
We are still worried by reports that the Yankees are very
near us, and we are constantly expecting them to raid upon Ashland. We have a
good force at “The Junction,” and at the bridge just above us, which they may
respect, as they are dreadfully afraid of our forces.
Spent yesterday in the hospital; the wounded are getting on
well. The city was put into a blaze of excitement by the report that General
Dix was marching on it from the White House. I dare say they think that General
Lee has left it undefended, in which surmise they are vastly mistaken. Our
troops seem to be walking over Pennsylvania without let or hindrance. They have
taken possession of Chambersburg, Carlisle, and other smaller towns. They
surrendered without firing a gun. I am glad to see that General Lee orders his
soldiers to respect private property; but it will be difficult to make an
incensed soldiery, whose houses have in many instances been burned, crops
wantonly destroyed, horses stolen, negroes persuaded off, hogs and sheep shot
down and left in the field in warm weather — it will be difficult to make such
sufferers remember the Christian precept of returning good for evil. The
soldiers in the hospital seem to think that many a private torch will be applied
“just for revenge.” It was in vain that I quoted to them, “Vengeance is mine; I
will repay, saith the Lord.” One stoutly maintained that he would like to go
North “just to burn two good houses: one in return for my own house on
Mississippi River; the other for that of my brother-in-law, both of which they
burned just after landing from their boat, with no pretence at an excuse for
it; and when I think of my wife and children homeless, I feel as if I could set
all Yankeedom in a blaze.” Poor fellow! he became so excited that he arose in
his bed, as if impatient to be off and at his work of vengeance. I am glad to
hear that quantities of horses and fat cattle are driven into Virginia.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 225-6
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