August 18th, 1863.—Tonight we had with us at supper two of the heroes of Gettysburg; John Nash and Nicholas Eppes. They were recommended for promotion by their colonel, for gallantry on the battle field of Gettysburg. On that field, where deeds of daring, which will live forever, were done, what did these boys do that could be singled out? They must have distinguished themselves for the War Department to notice and promote. I wanted to ask about the great battle but they were leaving home as they had, only a short hour or two ago, said goodbye to those they loved. They were on their way to the army of the West, even now fighting Rosecrans army. They were going to face death, just as they had faced it at Gettysburg, and so, I could not ask questions which would call up scenes of blood and agony.
When they had said goodbye and were out of sight Aunt Robinson said, “Mrs. Bradford, isn’t it a pity for that pretty boy to be killed by the Yankees? He is enough like Sue to be her brother.” Mother shuddered. “I am glad he isn’t,” she said, “I am afraid it is not patriotic but I am glad I have no sons.”
It used to be a grievance to poor mother that, as Johnnie expressed it, “Aunt Patsey’s boys were all girls,” but she seems to be taking comfort in it now.
Susan Bradford is 17 years old when this entry was made.