The cars on the Central Railroad will run tomorrow, for the
first time, under Federal rule, and the day after we will use our passports and
free tickets to leave the city — dearer than ever, in its captivity and ruin.
It is almost impossible to get current money. A whole-hearted friend from
Alexandria met me the other day, and with the straightforward simplicity due to
friendship in these trying times, asked me at once, “Has your husband any
money?” I told him I thought not. He replied, “Tell him I have between
twenty-five and thirty dollars — that's all — and he shall have half of it;
tell him I say so.” Ten dollars were accepted, for the circumstances of want
which pressed so hard, and for the kindly spirit in which it was offered. Two
other friends came forward to share with us their little all. God help the warm
hearts of our conquered but precious country! I know they will be blessed, and
that light will yet shine through the blackness of darkness which now surrounds
them.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 358
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