6th.—To-day we saw Bishop Wilmer consecrated—Bishop Meade presiding, Bishops Johns and Elliott assisting. The services were very imposing, but the congregation was grieved by the appearance of Bishop Meade; he is so feeble! As he came down the aisle, when the consecration services were about to commence, every eye was fixed on him; it seemed [...]
Ash-Wednesday, March 5.—This morning Dr. Wilmer gave us a delightful sermon at St. Paul’s. He will be consecrated to-morrow Bishop of Alabama. To-night Bishop Elliott of Georgia preached for us, on the power of thought for good or evil. I do admire him so much in every respect.
4th.—In statu quo as far as our armies are concerned. The Nashville, a Confederate steamer, that has been watched by eight Federal war vessels, came into port the other day, at Beaufort, North Carolina, after many hairbreadth escapes, bringing a rich burden.
March 3.—Last Friday was the third day appointed by our President as a day of fasting and prayer within nine months. The churches were filled to overflowing, with, I trust, heart-worshippers, and I believe that God, in his great mercy, will direct our Government and our army.
27th.—Nothing new or important in our army. We were relieved to hear that the number who surrendered at Donelson was not so great as at first reported; the true number is 7,000, which is too many for us to lose! I trust they may be kindly treated. I know that we have friends at the [...]
23d.—Notwithstanding the violence of the rain yesterday, the Capitol Square, the streets around it, and the adjacent houses, were crowded. The President stood at the base of that noble equestrian statue of Washington, and took the oath which was taken by the “Father of his Country” more than seventy years ago—just after the “great rebellion,” [...]
February 22.—To-day I had hoped to see our President inaugurated, but the rain falls in torrents, and I cannot go. So many persons are disappointed, but we are comforted by knowing that the inauguration will take place, and that the reins of our government will continue to be in strong hands. His term of six [...]
Wednesday, 19th.—We are now in our own comfortable little room on Grace Street, and have quite a home-like feeling. Our children in the city are delighted to have us so near them, and the girls have come on a visit to their cousin, Mrs. C., and will be present at the inauguration on the 22d.
Tuesday Morning.—The wires are cut somewhere between this and Tennessee. We hear nothing farther West than Lynchburg; rumours are afloat that Donelson has fallen. We are too unhappy about it to think of any thing else. Evening.—It is all true. Our brave men have yielded to overpowering numbers. The struggle for three days was fearful. [...]
Sunday, 16th.—This morning we left home early, to be present at the funeral of Captain Wise, but we could not even approach the door of St. James’s Church, where it took place. The church was filled at an early hour, and the street around the door was densely crowded. The procession approached as I stood [...]
13th.—Donelson is holding out bravely. I shudder to think of the loss of life. Notwithstanding the rain this morning, I renewed my pursuit after lodgings. With over-shoes, cloak and umbrella, I defied the storm, and went over to Grace Street, to an old friend who sometimes takes boarders. Her house was full, but with much [...]
12th.—The loss of Roanoke Island is a terrible blow. The loss of life not very great. The “Richmond Blues” were captured, and their Captain, the gifted and brave O. Jennings Wise, is among the fallen. My whole heart overflows towards his family; for, though impetuous in public, he was gentle and affectionate at home, and [...]
Tuesday.—Roanoke Island has fallen—no particulars heard.
Monday Night.—Still greater uneasiness about Roanoke Island. It is so important to us—is said to be the key to Norfolk; indeed, to all Eastern North Carolina, and Southeastern Virginia. We dread to-morrow’s papers. The lady on Street has disappointed me. She met me with a radiant smile when I went to see her this evening, [...]
Sunday Night.—–Painful rumours have been afloat all day. Fort Henry, on Tennessee River, has been attacked. We went to St. James’s this morning, and St. Paul’s tonight. When we returned we found Mr. N. and Brother J. awaiting us. They are very anxious and apprehensive about Roanoke Island.
8th.—I have called on the two ladies mentioned above. The lady with the small income has filled her rooms, and wishes she had more to fill. She of the large house and small family had “never dreamed of taking boarders,” was “surprised that such a thing had been suggested,” looked cold and lofty, and meant [...]
7th.—Walking all day, with no better success. “No vacant room” is the universal answer. I returned at dinner-time, wearied in mind and body. I have been cheered by suggestions that perhaps Mrs. _____, with a large family and small income, may take boarders; or Mrs. _____, with a large house and small family, may do [...]
February 6.—Spent this day in walking from one boarding-house to another, and have returned fatigued and hopeless. I do not believe there is a vacant spot in the city. A friend, who considers herself nicely fixed, is in an uncarpeted room, and so poorly furnished, that, besides her trunk, she has only her wash-stand drawer [...]
Richmond, February 5.—For two weeks my diary has been a closed book. After another week at W., we went to the Presbyterian Parsonage, to join the refugee family who had gathered within its walls. They had made themselves comfortable, and it had quite a home-like appearance. After remaining there a day or two, Mr. _____ [...]
Westwood, Hanover County, January 20,1862.—I pass over the sad leave-taking of our kind friends in Clarke and Winchester. It was very sad, because we knew not when and under what circumstances we might meet again. We left Winchester, in the stage, for Strasburg at ten o’clock at night, on the 24th of December. The weather [...]
“The Briars,” December 18.—Sadly negligent of my diary lately. Nothing new has occurred. We pleasantly pursue the even tenor of our way, but are now preparing to go to my brother’s, in Hanover, next week. We have been to “Mountain View” for a couple of days, on a farewell visit to the family. The Bishop [...]
Winchester, December 9.—Mr. _____ and myself have been here for three weeks, with Dr. S. and our dear niece. Jackson’s Brigade still near, which gives these warm-hearted people a good opportunity of working for them, and supplying their wants. We see a great deal of our nephews, and never sit at the table without a [...]
15th.—This was fast-day—a national fast proclaimed by our President. I trust that every church in the Confederacy was well filled with heart-worshippers. The Rev. Mr. Jones preached for us at Millwood. This whole household was there—indeed, the whole neighbourhood turned out. We have been anxiously awaiting the result of an anticipated fight between Price and [...]
Monday Night.—To-day M. P. and myself went to Winchester, and thence to the camp. We took Mr. P. N’s children to see their father. There we saw W. B., J. M. G., and many other young friends, and were much pleased at their cheerfulness. They look sunburnt and soldierly. I returned to Winchester to see [...]
10th.—Returning from church to-day, we were overtaken by W. B. C., on horseback. We were surprised and delighted. He soon explained his “position.” Jackson’s Brigade has been ordered to take charge of the Valley, and is coming to-day to Strasburg, and thence to Winchester. He rode across on R’s horse. He dined with us, and [...]