–– ––– has this day entered on her duties as clerk in the “Surgeon-General's
Department,” which she obtained with very little trouble on her part. We had
always objected to her applying for an office, because we were afraid of the
effect of sedentary employment on her health; but now it seems necessary to us,
as the prices of provisions and house-rent have become so very high. Providence
has dealt most mercifully with us from the beginning of the war: at first it
seemed to be the pleasure of our friends as well as ourselves that we should be
with them; then, when it became evident that the war would continue, Mr. ––– obtained
an office, which gave us a limited, but independent, support. Then, when prices
became high, and we could not live on the salary, the chaplaincy came, with a
little better income. As provisions continued to increase in price, and our
prospect seemed very poor for the winter, my office was obtained without the
least effort on my part, though I had often sought one in the Treasury without
success; and now, (when difficulties seem to be increasing with the great
scarcity of provisions, the way is again made comparatively easy. So it seems
that the Lord intends us to work for our daily bread, and to be independent,
but not to abound.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 298
