12th April
Things seem at last to have reached the War point. The 17th Regiment has been ordered down to Morris’s Island, and The Northern Government have sent to inform the Southern that they intend to reinforce the Forts, and collect the revenue. A fleet is expected off the Harbour, and every thing is in a state of preparation.—4 of the boys are on duty, Berkley in the Sumpter Guards, and Arthur & William in the Cadet Riflemen. Lewis wants to volunteer in the Sumpters, I think he ought not. John is now on constant duty, and seems actively engaged; he wrote to us yesterday that he had been in Town for Anchors, and found the house deserted, only Adam, covered with White Wash. He said he was alive but he could not say kicking, for he could hardly move one leg before the other, he was so tired.—Mr Grimball went down to see about the boys, and found them all gone, he will return on Saturday, and then we shall hear. All yesterday I was in a most terrible state of anxiety and misery, about my boys—but I know my case is not different from others. Mrs Elliott, the Mother of William’s Captain, has her only child down there, Mrs Lowndes her only son, & many others, but mine are very fine boys, and very dear to me, still they must do their duty to their State; and I put my trust in my God, & their God, my Savior & their Savior,—and I Pray for them & for myself.—The Government at Washington seem full of duplicity, and in looking back to the conduct of the seceding States, there seems to have been a truthful and noble faith, actuating them.
Fortunately, before things came to the War, the interest was paid on the money at the North, and I have mine now in Charleston, six hundred and ninety seven dollars. I am very glad of this for it will help us through the Summer.—
Mrs Bulow & Mrs Gammage have left Charlotte, they were sent for.—
Went to Papa’s this morning he had been to Mr Barnwell to hear the news. Mr B. wrote to his wife that yesterday at 1 o’clock Gen. Boregeard demanded the surrender of the Fort from Anderson, he replyed he could not with honor, and this morning at 5 o’clock the war began, we have not heard the guns. The news is that the “Harriet Lane” U S S is out side with troops and supplys .