The adulation we
receive in this city is enough to turn our heads completely. But for this
dreadful suspense I believe it would. The most appalling rumors reach us, but
nothing more. Dr. S saw one of Wheeler's cavalrymen, who left Columbia on
Friday morning, at which time Hampton had notified the Mayor that the Reserves
could no longer hold the city. The South Carolina depot was already
in ruins, and the Congaree bridge burned, while thousands of the inhabitants
were flying from the enemy. On Friday night, at Winnsboro, this same soldier
reports having seen a tremendous illumination in the sky, which all who saw
believed to be Columbia in flames. My God! How terrible, if true! What has been
the fate of my parents, and Johnnie! Despite this horrible uncertainty, we have
been to church, and are trying to keep calm and hopeful. But why was I ever
persuaded to leave my home and dear ones in this time of danger!
SOURCE: South
Carolina State Committee United Daughters of the Confederacy, South
Carolina Women in the Confederacy, Vol. 1, “A Confederate
Girl's Diary,” p. 276
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