15 [April]
This morning we received a very pleasant visit from Charlotte, she feels but does not know how to express herself. Mr Aiken also came over and paid a very pleasant visit. He told us of the early history of General Boregard, he was a graduate of West Point & the second honour man, he had become very much attached to Virginia Scott, the daughter of Gen. Scott, & was refused by both parents but accepted by the young lady, she wrote to him but his letters were repressed and hers ceased after a time. This preyed on her health, she went into the Catholic Convent at George Town, and there died, before her death she sent for Gen. Boregard and saw him, he explained to her that he had always written, the letters were kept from her. She died, but 6 Months after he married another. “Men have died and worms have eaten them but not for love”.—(And now has a second wife).
In this days paper there is an account of the evacuating of the Fort Sumpter. Anderson has gone to the Fleet, this is the first time the U.S. Flag has been lowered, and now to the Palmetoe Flag.—
There seems to be a determination on the part of the Northern Government to war with us. When Major Anderson fired the salute to his Flag, 5 of his men were wounded, & 1 of them died immediately, the other not expected to live. This is very strange. I think my State has behaved most entirely according to the dictates of humanity, & true courage, in the treatment of the people in this Fort, they were fed, and beaten, & honourably dismissed.—
We have done well, & I this morning read a commendation in the papers “the World”, an Abolition journal, of the conduct of South Carolina, “throughout this contest & since secession”. The unselfish bravery with which she had conducted herself”.— May God bless and keep us, is my prayer, and may peace be restored to these States, may we each, North, & South—Governed by those who best understand our rights & our wants, I mean ourselves, be good neighbors & help each other on in the road to prosperity.—
On Sunday the scene in St. Philips was very affecting. Our Bishop Davis, now very feeble and blind was led up to the pulpit and returned thanks to Almighty God for his protection & his mercies. He, too had a relative among the troops.—Mrs Wayne went down to the City on Saturday and the cars being very much crowded & late in getting down. Lewis had to charge himself with the getting these two Mrs W. & her Mitchel in a carriage. It was 12 o’clock at night before they all got at home. Lewis found no one but his father at home & he seems quite well, the war agrees with him.