6th March 1865
I have no heart to write a journal now. The war goes on but so much distress and suffering. Charleston evacuated, Columbia sacked & burned, Cheraw[?], Winnsborough, Camden, Society Hill & other places visited by the Army of Sherman & sacked and burned. Our Army now under Johnston following Sherman and all things in gloom & trouble. Arthur & Berkley are with the troops from the Coast in Raleigh & Hillsborough. Lewis was with us for 10 days, looking quite well, he is now with the Army in North Carolina. Harry received an appointment from the Gov, for the Arsenal, & to day left us for Greenville where they are to be located. This has been a great trial to me for he is the youngest and not yet sixteen. I fear all the fatigue & hardship he will not be able to stand; and my heart yearns over this child. He left a very good school for this appointment and they have no books to educate the Cadets.—My only comfort is in prayer.
Gabriella & Charlotte have a nice little School of 7 scholars, there were 8 but one has left not being able to get board.—Gabriella teaches 3 girls Music she gets $35 per Month for the School & $20 for the Music.—
The mails are all broken up Couriers take letters round. Elizabeth is rich she came up to see Lewis.—This is near the end of September, and since May —