After supper last night, by way of variety, Anna, Miriam,
and I came up to our room, and after undressing, commenced popping corn and
making candy in the fireplace. We had scarcely commenced when three officers
were announced, who found their way to the house to get some supper, they
having very little chance of reaching Clinton before morning, as the cars had
run off the track. Of course, we could not appear; and they brought bad luck
with them, for our corn would not pop, and our candy burned, while to add to
our distress the odor of broiled chicken and hot biscuit was wafted upstairs,
after a while, in the most provoking way. In vain we sent the most pathetic
appeals by each servant, for a biscuit apiece, after our hard work. Mrs. Carter
was obdurate until, tired out with our messages, she at last sent us an empty jelly-cup,
a shred of chip beef, two polished drumsticks, and half a biscuit divided in
three. With that bountiful repast we were forced to be content and go to bed.
At sunrise this morning, Mrs.Carter left to go down to her
father in Iberville, to see her stepmother who is expected to die. Scarcely had
she gone when six more officers and soldiers came in from the still stationary
cars to get their breakfast. We heard that Mr. Marsden, too, was down there, so
the General sent him a nice breakfast, and I sent my love with it; but he had
already breakfasted at Mr. Elder's. As soon as they left, we prepared for
church, and just as we were ready, Captain Brown and Mr. Addison were
announced. The Doctor greeted us with an elegant bow, but they did not remain long,
as we were about going out.
Many officers were in church, and as I passed out, Colonel
Breaux joined me, and escorted Miriam and me to the carriage, where we stood
talking some time under the trees before getting in. He gave us a most pressing
invitation to name a day to visit the camp that he might “have the pleasure of
showing us the fortifications,” and we said we would beg the General's
permission to do so. Charming Colonel Breaux! Like all nice men, he is married,
of course. He and another officer drove just behind our carriage in coming
home, until we came to the fork of the road. Then, leaning from their buggy,
both gentlemen bowed profoundly, which we as cordially returned. Two more
behind followed their example, and to our great surprise, ten, who were seated
in a small wagon drawn by two diminutive mules, bowed also, and, not content
with that, rose to their feet as the distance between the two roads increased,
and raised their caps, though in the most respectful silence. Rather queer; and
I would have said impertinent had they been any others than Confederates
fighting for us, who, of course, are privileged people.
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