A letter from Captain Bradford to Miriam. My poor Adonis,
that I used to ridicule so unmercifully, what misfortunes have befallen him! He
writes that during the siege at Port Hudson he had the top of his ear shot off
(wonder if he lost any of that beautiful golden fleece yclept his hair?), and
had the cap of his knee removed by a shell, besides a third wound he does not
specify. Fortunately he is with kind friends. And he gives news of Lydia, most
acceptable since such a time has elapsed since we heard from her. . . . He
says, “Tell Miss Sarah that the last I saw of John, he was crossing the
Mississippi in a skiff, his parole in his pocket, his sweet little sister by
his side,” (O you wretch! at it again!) “and Somebody else in his heart.” How
considerate to volunteer the last statement! Then followed half a page of
commendation for his bravery, daring, and skill during the siege (the only kind
word he ever spoke of him, I dare say), all looking as though I was to take it
as an especial compliment to myself, and was expected to look foolish, blush,
and say “Thanky” for it. As though I care!
SOURCE: Sarah Morgan Dawson, A Confederate Girl's
Diary, p. 409-10
