What a week it has been — madness, sadness, anxiety,
turmoil, ceaseless excitement. The Wigfalls passed through on their way to
Texas. We did not see them. Louly told Hood they were bound for the Rio Grande,
and intended to shake hands with Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico. Yankees were
expected here every minute. Mrs. Davis came. We went down to the cars at
daylight to receive her. She dined with me. Lovely Winnie, the baby, came, too.
Buck and Hood were here, and that queen of women, Mary Darby. Clay behaved like
a trump. He was as devoted to Mrs. Davis in her adversity as if they had never
quarreled in her prosperity. People sent me things for Mrs. Davis, as they did
in Columbia for Mr. Davis. It was a luncheon or breakfast only she stayed for
here. Mrs. Brown prepared a dinner for her at the station. I went down with
her. She left here at five o'clock. My heart was like lead, but we did not give
way. She was as calm and smiling as ever. It was but a brief glimpse of my dear
Mrs. Davis, and under altered skies.
SOURCES: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin
and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 377-8
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