Donated from the Augusta County Historical Society. Alansa Rounds Sterrett was Jedediah Hotchkiss' niece and a teacher at Loch Willow Academy during the Civil War. A Northerner, Alansa Rounds married Franklin F. Sterrett, a friend of Hotchkiss' and a Confederate cavalry officer.
It was not long after this pleasant visit that Col. Sterrett began coming regularly to Loch Willow on Wednesday and Sunday nights, and usually on Friday evening Mrs. Gooch sent a boy over for my guitar, a horse for Nannie and me to ride, With a note inviting me to come prepared to remain until Monday morning. How I did enjoy those outings! The rides, farm rambles after apples, grapes and nuts; calls at the old grist-mill and getting weighed. The true, everyday life among the slave owners, where I saw and heard of no cruelty or oppression, and no one servant was overburdened, but each had their respective tasks. I fell in love with dear old Aunt Charity, the cook, and Amanda, the laundress. Then there was a dairymaid, a housemaid, a table waiter and an errand boy, &c. &c. The days had their charms, but the nights were impromptu receptions. One or more gentlemen were sure to "drop in" and one could generally count on Dr. R. S. Hamilton (associate of old Dr. Wilson), whose beaming face and banjo music and "darkey" songs could not be excelled by Polk Miller himself! So with the colonel's flute, my guitar, and Retta's and my vocal duets, the ensemble was pronounced "fine"! In fact on pretty moonlight nights our quartette distinguished itself on various occasions by serenading special friends. Retta often had one or two lady friends visiting her. Mag Baylor (Mrs. Wash. Swoope), her cousin Mag. Trimble (Mrs. George A. Hanger), Puss Fultz, Bettie Eidson, or Miller and Ginnie Cochran. A cousin of Retta's, Wm. A. Sterrett from Hebron (David Sterrett's old home, now a parsonage of Hebron church) was often a guest at Willow Glen and Wm. B. Sterrett made a visit this same year from Galveston, Texas, and sad to relate fell desperately in love with his captivating cousin Retta and as she was engaged to Dr. Hamilton, trouble ensued and many startling sensations; quite enlivening to so quiet a borough as Churchville!
A merry crowd at Willow Glen always inspired me with a wish to improvise a charade! So choosing my characters, I quickly "coached" them in a separate room, taking the most important part myself, and sometimes, by a slight change in costume, acting in two different parts. I was blest in the happy faculty of inspiring others with my boundless enthusiasm and thus my efforts wore surprisingly successful. Retta was my ready, able and willing coadjutor; being a poet, a witty conversationalist and very quick-witted, I knew I could depend upon her part being perfect and telling. So after each act we left our audience to study out the syllables and at last to guess the whole word! It always proved a lot of fun and spontaneous entertainment.
Invitations from some of his particular friends were received by the colonel to bring Miss Rounds to see them. In compliance I wee favored with a visit to Hill Crest, the sightly and delightful home of Bishop Glossbrenner, where I met his two daughters, Nealie and Josie, and saw a most interesting relic of the past in the shape of a diminutive piano that had once belonged to the Jefferson family.
Another time we were invited to a party at the Cochrans' country place, where the hostesses Misses Miller and Ginnie Cochran. and the hosts were Messrs. Jim, Bob and Sam, all three members of the Churchville Cavalry. Jim was first lieutenant. That night while playing Blind Man's Bluff, Bob sat in the chair blinded and we all marched around him, each extending a hand to see if he could recognize the passer by. When my turn came he called out, "Yes, yes, this soft, crushable hand is Retta Gooch's". "Wrong! Wrong!" they all screamed. "Well, I'll be hanged!" exclaimed Bob. "I didn't know any other woman on earth had such a hand."
A third trip was three miles west to Oakwood, the estate of Gabriel Hite, to visit his daughter Ella, who became my devoted friend. Next a ride three miles east of Staunton to Bear-Wallow the charming country seat of Judge Fultz. There I was delighted to meet his wife and daughters, Puss and Gussie. Also Mr. John Alby, the tenor of the 1st Presbyterian church choir, a musician as well as a vocalist, and a successful clothier of Staunton. He was then courting Gussie, who later became his wife and was the sweet mother of Libbie Alby, a missionary to Korea with the Rev. Mr. Buhl, her husband.
Another treat that Col. Sterrett gave me was attending a concert in town, "The Cantata of Queen Esther". we put up at the Virginia Hotel and drove back next morning.
But of all my good times that never to be forgotten that autumn, the Tournament at Stribling Springs was the climax! How eager, glad and happy I was when that fair morning I saw the colonel's handsome turnout and spanking bays drive up to the Loch Willow stile. Glorious the day and drive of six miles to that romantic resort, where were a large hotel and several rows of pretty cottages, two alum, a sulphur and Chalybeate spring. An enjoyable dinner over, the excited crowds gathered at the Tournament grounds. And I was at last to witness a real old Virginia Tournament! Soul stirring band music echoed and re-echoed through forest and from rocky mountain side. The knights in gay and varied costume mounted on their restless steeds looked handsome and "eager for the fray". Col. Sterrett, the Herald ("noblest knight of all") sat his fine charger like a commanding general, as he announced the names of the riders, while one by one, each dashed forward and essayed to cast his spear through the coveted ring in the arch over his head. How hearty and contagious the cheering when the Herald announced the name of the successful knight who had won the honor of dancing with the "Queen of Love and Beauty" at the coming Ball! And also when the 2nd and 3rd honors were conferred on the two knights who had won the privilege of dancing with the two maids of her royal Majesty, the Queen! That night I wore my black and green silk; The fashionable flowing sleeves worn with embroidered lace undersleeves having several strips of pink ribbon run through the meshes lengthwise. At my neck and in my hair were bows of the same becoming color. At 9 o'clock the ball opened with a burst of dance music -- amid profuse floral decorations -- pretty young girls beautifully gowned, brilliant lights, and gay knights in costume; the Queen in crown and diamonds; the Maids of Honor none the less lovely. The whole scene combined to present a picture rivalling any Vanity Fair! Early in the evening Rob Ruff (2nd lieutenant of the Churchville Cavalry) asked if I would join him in the next set. When I thanked him, saying "I never dance", he replied, "Well, Miss Rounds, I cannot doubt your word, but still I am convinced that anyone who can sing and play like you could certainly dance." I noticed, however, that the gallant and handsome lieutenant had no difficulty in securing a partner. My noble Prince Charming was a most graceful dancer, but that night he declined to take the floor, declaring he would prefer a promenade with me in the hall or on the long piazza among the Chinese lanterns and where we could hear the music and chat uninterruptedly, and I verily believe we were the happiest couple at that Tournament Ball!
Before November was over Retta and I had begun to plan for some Christmas gayeties at Loch Willow, in which all our circle agreed. So it was decided we would have three entertainments. 1st, an oyster stew; 2nd, a Christmas Tree; 3rd, some tableaux. So I was at Willow Glen with Retta more than usual, especially when getting up the costume of Minnehaha, a character for which I was unanimously chosen. I remember that amid the tryings on and dressings (behind closed doors) old Capt. Sterrett would knock at Retta's door and beg to come in and see how I looked, remarking that that was all he would see of those wonderful tableaux. So Retta gave him an occasional peep, which pleased him mightily and always after that he called me Little Indian Girl" and would pull me down on his lap and ask me "Whatever makes your eyes so bright?"
The tree was very popular and well patronized. All had been busy making gifts and I did a monochromatic for Frank and made a pine cone watch case lined and faced in blue plush and edged with blue chenille cord. I did another in pink for Bob Ruff, but he was too jealous to come to our splendid tree, so never got his gift.
All three of our social efforts were successful, but No. 3 was the best. Our scenes were from Longfellow's Hiawatha, and Uncle Tom's Cabin. In the latter "Uncle Tom" was personated by the Sterrett's oldest slave, grey headed Uncle Kit Matthews, and Nannie Gooch made the loveliest "Eva". In the former we had a veritable wigwam, outside of which sat old "Nicomis" (Mr. N. H.Hotchkiss). Bob Ruff was Hiawatha and I the dusky Minnehaha. When I tripped down the stairs to the library door to be ready for my time, there stood Bob Ruff in blanket, paint and feathers, and when he saw me in flowing hair, black silk waist low neck and short sleeves, bordered with white fur, decorated with many strings of beads and spangles and tinsel ornaments on red petticoat and beaded moccasins, he exclaimed, "Oh, you beautiful Minnehaha! The character suits you admirably", and I was thankful when the cheering stopped and the curtain dropped for my turn! Frank liked me in all, but admired me most in Light in Darkness. Footlights lowered to enhance the effect, my hair floating over back and shoulders, costume white, gauzy and soft, attitude one of rapt devotion, hands clasped and eyes looking upward. It and Hiawatha were encored heartily.
Thus swiftly and happily sped September, October and November. And December was passing and with it the most important event of my life, when I gave my hand and heart and future life into the keeping of another! I recalled the last evening before I left home, when sitting on my father's lap and brushing his hair and whiskers, he said, "Allie, I shall miss all these loving ministrations of yours when you are gone." "Papa," I said, "Do you know I am never going to marry until I find a man as near like you as possible, tall, blue eyes, fair skin and dark hair." But now I had found his counterpart in Col. Francis Franklin Sterrett, and we were engaged provided my parents did not object, Aunt Sara and Uncle Jed having heartily approved of the match, and my whole heart and soul being involved, my father and mother gave their willing consent and on Dec. 3l, 1860, Frank's 39th birthday, he called me his future bride!
Although frequently hearing the distant but angry mutterings of approaching War, little did we imagine a cruel 4 years' war would interfere and separate us! Despite the pranks of mischievous students at the lower house, "the colonel" continued his regular visits to Loch Willow. Sometimes on a dark night he found himself halted on his homeward way by a rope stretched across the road, which caught him just under the chin and temporarily intercepted the progress of horse and rider.
In January an unusual snow of 6 or 8 inches fell, whereupon the "hurry jumpers" were knocked together and presses into immediate use ere the snow should melt. I shared with other girls in the exciting, unexpected and ungraceful precipitate plunges into convenient snowdrifts! Our escorts pleaded "not guilty" when we emphatically declared our belief that complicity had designed these "unpremeditated" accidents' So we joked and laughed over our slaying adventures as best we could.
Through the kindness of my friends I witnessed two novel scenes that winter. A cake walk and dance of the Willow Glen servants and a "darkey wedding" at the home of a friend of the Sterretts to which they and I were invited. Both were comical, mirthful and hilarious affairs to black and white alike. The refreshments proved "tip top" and tony and lavishly prepared by these slaves and by them also dispensed to those "down at the house" as well as all at the "quarters."
But alas! fun and social recreations were fast being relegated to the background and fiery political speeches took their places. For "coming events cast their shadow before". The two antagonistic factions of North and South were daily growing more and more embittered and determined. The one declaring slavery must and shall go; the other vowing never to give up their slave property by force.
Jan. 24, 1861. Frank called for me with new sleigh to take me to hear speeches of Augusta candidates for State Convention. Col. John B. Baldwin (a sweet, kingly looking man) spoke kindly and charitably of the north and so did all except Capt. Imboden.
Feb. 15. Frank sent me "Dixie". Charmed with song, words and all. Sung and played for Uncle Jed, Aunt Sara and everybody -- all delighted.
Feb. 18. President Davis inaugurated at Montgomery, Ala. The Peace Congress, with its 22 delegates from states north, south and west, met and adjourned with no apparent result than an increasing tendency towards war rather than peace. During this month (Feb.) commissioners from the Confederate States went to "Washington to assist in a plan with Secretary of War (Seward) for a Just and honorable peace adjustment, but were repulsed. Then followed news of great activity at the Navy Yard of New York and later the departure of 75 ships for Fort Sumpter. The South having seceded and established its first Confederate Capitol at Montgomery, Ala., President Davis authorized, through his Secretary of War, the military protection of Charleston and ordered General Beauregard to go to Ft. Sumpter with 60,000 men and demand its immediate evacuation by Colonel Anderson and his whole force. Colonel Anderson refusing, the bombardment of Fort Sumpter began April 12 and lasted 22 hours, a grand and terrible sight which the fleet watch, but did not participate in. Providentially not a life was lost on either side. Colonel Anderson and his force left in order with music, and all their personal and material belongings. Thus commenced the most cruel and determined war (of four years) the world has ever seen.
Abraham Lincoln, the president, was inaugurated on March 4th and issued his Emancipation Proclamation March 12th. Fort Brown, Texas, surrendered to Texas commissioners.
April 15, Lincoln issued proclamation calling for 75,000 troops, and convening Congress on July 4 amounting to a declaration of war. (1787 the Federal compact for the Union was made.)
April 20. We hear of a bloody riot yesterday in Baltimore in which several lives were lost on both sides. Same day occurred blockade of all seceded states! Churchville Cavalry often drilling.
April 22. Frank in Richmond.
April 23. Package came to me at Loch Willow from Frank an elegant portfolio, with gold pen and pencil combination, and the sweetest of notes.
At Montgomery call issued for volunteers and Congress also adopted a Confederate Flag. Very like the U. S. flag. Instead of 13 stripes it has 3 large bars and 7 stars. Virginia, North Carolina, Arkansas and Tennessee have withdrawn from the Union and become members of the Confederacy!
April 26. Been busy making knapsacks for rebel troopers. Ladies here cutting out and making uniforms for the Churchville Cavalry Company. Work at Odd Fellow's Hall early and late. Mr. Arnold was formerly a tailor and helps night and day.
May 13. Saddest day I ever saw. Went to Odd Fellow's hall at 7:30 to sew, after bidding adieu to Capt. Grinnan, Mr. Galt and Bob Fisher. I gave Mr. Fisher a testament. At Hall Nannie Gooch handed me a dear note and apple from Frank. Afterwards gave me a beautiful bouquet himself . Ladies provided a nice cold lunch for whole Company, after which Mr. Walker made most excellent and appropriate remarks and Mr. Arnold (Methodist minister) offered prayer. Then followed the sad farewells of mothers, wives, sisters, sweethearts and friends! Many a strong man quivered with emotion and tears fell from eyes unused to weep! We watched the cavalrymen as they mounted, whirled into line, waved their hats, and galloped out of night, leaving aching hearts to mourn their departure. They belonged to the army of Northern Virginia and were bound for West Virginia.
These "War notes" seem like a "bridge of sighs" as I read over journal from early in January and the social and home news seem like sweet rippling music of the stream underneath the sad "bridge." So I will copy verbatim a few pages by way of relief.
Jan. 11. Evening. All in the pleasant library at Loch Willow listening to Uncle Jed read a speech of Secretary Seward's -- so politic, logical and artful.
Jan. 25. A visit to Alice Hanger's home "Woodlawn" on Friday evening. Saturday it stormed, but we sat in our easy chairs around the blazing fireplace, played games, cracked nuts and jokes, ate apples and named the seeds.
Sunday, 1 P. M. Turkey dinner and ice cream. To Bible class evening and home with Retta and Nannie to Willow Glen.
Monday morning. Frank took me and Nannie over to Loch Willow in sleigh, -- a short ride first, my last this winter, no doubt. After school in P. M. rode over with Nannie on "Billy". Right after moon-rise Retta, Frank and I went out serenading. 1st. Mrs. Harvey Bear; 2nd, Dr. Hamilton's; 3rd, Henry Seig's to serenade Kate and Angie. My guitar strings did not break and we fairly astonished ourselves! Closed up with a serenade to Rebecca Sterrett.
Jan. 29. Heard today that Mr. Harvey Bear thought he heard angels singing in his room last night!
Feb. 2. P. M. call from Frank in parlor, and Miss Matt. Davis. Soon the latter insisted on going up to call on Aunt Sarah, much to our delight.
Feb. 4. Frank wrote in my Diary: "Election day for State Convention, voted for Baldwin, Stuart and Baylor. Hope I gave judicious votes. If Northern and Southern representatives were as friendly as two of their constituents, the prevailing difficulty could soon be settled!"
Feb. 26. 5:30 P. M. Rode horseback behind Aunt Sara to Mrs. Harvey Bear's. Met Retta Gooch there and her admirer, Dr. R. S. Hamilton. Soon Frank came. I was most agreeably surprised! A succession of surprises, for almost immediately my guitar made its appearance! Next and last, two pieces of music from Wm. B. Sterrett and Frank had brought in his pocket a huge rosy apple.
March 2. "Burly Gundy" (Retta's slave) came over for me. Started early for the woods with Retta, Nannie and Lora, with baskets for mosses, etc. Found forest treasures innumerable, filling our baskets, and making new discoveries of mossy nooks, miniature caves and fairy-like grottoes. Then from our restful rustic seats enjoyed pretty views of Loch Willow, Churchville and the meandering creek gleaming here and there in the valley below. Spent pleasant hour chatting or reading as the mood took us, until Rebecca Sterrett came and Mrs. Bear, both joining us in a nice lunch of cakes and apples, after which we were both to leave our forest resort and wend our way homewards.
March 7. P.M. after school Uncle Jed, Prof. Oswald Grinnan and "Miss Allie" went down to the mill and were weighed. Uncle Jed 159, Prof. Grinnan 169 lbs.; I, 134-1/4. Then Professor and I continued our walk away over the hill to catch pretty sunset views and to look at the debris of Jan. 7 freshet. waves looked like burnished gold in rays of setting sun.
March 9. P.M. after lessons, Frank called to take me to Bob Cochran's. Really went not only by water. but through it!
March 24. Frank home with me, after Sunday P. M. Bible class at Lutheran Church. Was called upon to act in new capacity of hostess and nurse. Christened my handsome china cup most agreeably.
March 26. On my room table found notes from Retta Gooch and Frank. Beside latter two sweet oranges. After school P. M. analyzed Hepatica and Spring Beauties. Do not bloom in Ahwagha Valley until May. Before tea a ramble with dear Sarah among "the cedars" for wild flowers. Adam Lee and Mr. Taylor left their fishing to climb the rocks and get floral specimens for us. Said it was too windy to fish and so attended us in our walk. After supper Annie had a fearful spell of croup, to which she was subject. Very ill until midnight.
March 29. My mother's birthday. P. M. at 3:30 went over to auction at store. A great jam. Frank found me a seat. Saw Bettie Eidson and Mag. Baylor for the first time. Left at 6 o'clock. After tea Frank came laden with good things as usual; apples, books, etc. Surprised me with a beautiful veil from auction!
March 31. Frank took me to Union Church. Enjoyed ride and services very much.
April 4. P. M. Frank called for me with double buggy. I soon put on my wraps and new veil and we drove to Staunton, 6 miles. Left wraps at Virginia Hotel and we repaired to Rankin's gallery to have my picture taken for Frank. Before tea a pleasant call in hotel parlor from Mr. Alby. Admire his goodness, sincerity and refinement. He is a hump backed man, but his face is so pure, almost spiritual, language so choice and manners so charming. No wonder everybody loves him. Has fine business talent, a large clothing store, and is tenor singer in the choir of the Presbyterian Church, and quite an instrumentalist on flute and piano. Evening, 8 o'clock. Frank took me to attend a Band Concert at the Armory. Band looked superb in their new uniforms and with silver instruments glistening in an artificial light. "Dixie" created a furor of delight! Orchestra of stringed instruments very sweet. This brass band became later the famous "Stonewall Band" of Staunton. We put up at hotel for the night and returned to Churchville in the morning.
April 11. Watched with sad interest the Cavalry drill on the hill. Frank gone to Richmond to procure arms for his company. From 8:30 to 3 P.M. ladies sewing on knapsacks for the cavalrymen. Everybody excited and stirring. Kate Seig practiced with Mr. Cook's revolver. Ladies all came over to watch the drill at 4 P. M. Met Retta, Rebecca, Gennie and Miller Cochran, &c. Evening in library to hear Uncle Jed read the news.
April 21. News by stage that Harper's Ferry had been taken by Virginia troops and intercepted a train of cars loaded with Federal soldiers and powder to blow up armory and arsenal!
Sunday to M. E. Church with Aunt, Uncle, Prof. Grinnan, Mr. Galt and Bob Fisher. Frank away. Company present in citizens' dress, except officers. Mr. Alfred Cook my escort back to Loch Willow.
April 23. 1:30 P.M. Was giving Nannie music lesson when a package arrived for me, a lovely portfolio with Frank's picture inside, a sweet note, and gold pen and pencil! 4 P. M. Watched Cavalry drill, admirably done. Swords flashed in sunlight and bugle played at intervals. Their noble Captain looked very handsome and rode superbly. I was justly proud of "My own brave Cavalier". Evening, 8 o'clock. He came again to Loch Willow to honor my 24th birthday! Lovely moonlight night, windows open to the breeze.
April 25. Down in Laboratory watching Uncle Jed's experiments for his chemistry class. Made a solid out of a fluid,-- a fluid of two solids. Small lump of sugar contained the carbon. Experimented with phosphorous, &c. &c.
April 26. Analyzed botanical specimens with Lizzie Kunkel; wild columbine, Carolina Vetch, sassafrass, etc., for an hour. Beautiful denizens of the rocks and woodlands! So frail and yet so pure, innocent and heavenlike. Friday, April 26. Lovely bouquet by Annie from "Uncle Frank.
April 27. Surprised at breakfast by a "private dish" by my plate! Upon inquiry Bob Fisher (who sat next to me ) remarked: "I went out hunting last evening and got you a bird"' "What kind?" I asked. "Well, I will consult a Natural History and then tell you the common and classical names", he said. I ate the bird and when I called it "so delicious" everybody laughed and I discovered I had eaten and enjoyed a pair of Frogs Legs! And I have relished them ever since whenever I was so fortunate as to obtain such an epicurean dish! At 9 o'clock walked over to the store and on to Willow Glen with Mrs. N. H. Hotchkiss. Found Retta (Gooch) there and soon after who should walk in but Frank! Gave me a sweet "good morning" and showed me his fine new revolver. Col. Crawford came before noon; spoke admiringly of Frank; asked for guitar music and for "Dixie", the song Southern soldiers love best. Pleasant ramble with Nannie. Evening Frank brought me letter from Pa and Ma. Both very anxious about my safety and begging me to try and get home while I could. Sat out in grape arbor with Retta. Soon Dr. Hamilton, Mr. Sam Bell and Bob Ruff came all to tea. After, guitar music and Retta and I sang duets, &c. At 8 o'clock all repaired to Lutheran Church to attend the "Sing". Mr. Bell, my escort to Loch Willow. Uncle Jed called me to come to library and read my home letters. Then he said I could not and should not go home. Was safe here. Unsafe to travel now. Prof. Grinnan made a captain today! Frank wrote in my dairy as follows: "May 2nd. Morn. Read Richmond Dispatch. 8 P.M. A sweet visit to Allie. Felt too sad to talk much. Joy and sorrow mingled. My unhappy country! O, that I could avert the blow now ready to crush thy power!" May 3rd. Gloomy day. Paid Uncle Sam Sterrett a visit at Riverside. Heard he wished to see me before I left for Harper's Ferry." "May 4th. Jim Cochran dined with me 2 P. M. Cavalry drill. Day bright and bracing. 5 P.M. Political speech at Lutheran Church by Professor Hotchkiss. Glad to see Allie there. Met her on street. After sweet smile, dismounted, gave 'Uncle Jed' Billy to ride and away we two went, and Mrs. Jed Hotchkiss and Retta to Willow Glen to tea. All had such a nice visit. 10 P. M. with Allie to Loch Willow. Cheerful visit in library till 12.
May. 8 Bob Fisher asked me at breakfast if I would make him a pair of trousers for his uniform. Promised I would. Worked hard on them all day in Mrs. N. H.'s room, before tea nearly done. After, walk to the "Cedars" with Sarah. Bob Fisher, Mr. Lee and Mr. Taylor joined us shortly. Enjoyable ramble. Had letter today from Papa, unexpected, but sweet and cheerful. Evening. Read news in library.
And now follows many blank pages in my 1861 pocket diary. prolonged spell of inflammation of the bowels caused me much suffering and my friends feared I would not recover. But a kind Providence watched over me; Dr. Hamilton was devoted in his administrations; kept ice on my head and my dear pupils took turns in watching every night and all in the house were kind and good to me.
I copy from notes on separate slip of paper, made before I quite succumbed to illness, caused by over-exertion in sewing on heavy materials for soldiers.
"May 18. Uncle Jed rode in from from town. Brought me letter from Frank at McDowell dated 17th May. Uncle Jed an excellent one, too. Never more welcome letter than mine' Wrote sheet in reply. Soldiers in fine health and spirits and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.
May 20. North Carolina seceded!
May 25. Very warm. I sewed at 0. F. Hall all day. Excellent picnic dinner down stairs, -- chicken sandwiches, pickles, pies, cakes, &c. and coffee. Henry Seig brought up to the sewing room 4 long strips. I basted, Aunt S. did machine work. Done and sent away before six. Evening, rested.
May 26. Retta sent buggy for me to go with her to Hebron Church. Pleas. ride. Pretty church in large oak grove, full of horses and vehicles. Sermon by Dr. McFarland; sacramental occasion. Dr. McFarland referred to 'our distracted country', very solemn service. After church Retta took in Betty Eidson and we rode over to Meg Baylor's, an invalid, but looks so noble and liked her much. Beautiful home on an eminence, fine view, saw part of Lewisburg Cavalry and their wagons. Lovely ride home after dinner. Scenery along Middle River charming and at the village of West View from its high and commanding situation.
May 29. Morn. Sweet flowers from Nannie Gooch and Retta Bear. Read "Richmond Examiner". Alexandria full of Federal troops. Washington almost deserted! No mails and no departures from or arrivals at city. Pres. Davis and Cabinet leaving Montgomery for Richmond. To be the new Capitol! Nannie drawing lesson and heard class in astronomy. Fixing over striped lawn.
June 6. Just heard that Retta Gooch had been thrown from her carriage in town and had ankle broken. Kate Seig with her and much bruised. Poor Retta was taken to Mr. Young's. Feel so sad and am sick myself.
June 7. News received of grand battle at Great Bethel, near Yorktown, Va. Splendid victory gained by 11,000 N. Carolina troops under Gen. McGruder over 4,500 troops under Brig'r. Gen. Pierce. Fought 4 hrs., pursued and drove enemy back to Hampton. Southern loss, l killed, 7 wounded. Federal loss, several hundred.
June 8. At Staunton with Retta. Artillery from Danville arrived. Saw them disembark, unload, et c. Retta been moved so she can look out of window. Puss Fultz to dinner and spent night with us. Call also from Dr. Reynolds. Retta sang several pieces with me (and guitar) for both. Mrs. Tait and daughter called with flowers for Retta. Like Mrs. Tait much.
June 17. Loch Willow. Gathered and ate strawberries with Lizzie Kunkel.
June 18. Went over to see Becca. Sewed all day on Frank's clothes. Pleasant time. Sarah over to tea and my company home later. I looked long and earnestly at the picture of "Soldier's Dream of Home" before I left. Think must copy. That eve. 9:30 Uncle Jed came. Brought me a letter from Frank at Beverly, W. Va.
June 2l. Letter from Frank, almost too sick to read it. Uncle J. offered his services, but were promptly but politely declined. That letter was a great comfort that night."
I now copy from another paper.
"Notes on the 1st battle of Civil War in Virginia. This encounter occurred June l, 186l, at Phillippi, W. Va., not far from the home of Eveline Sterrett Hite, 'Cherry Hill'. A letter soon after from F. described the 1st shot as wounding Jimmie Hanger, of his company (Churchville Cavalry) so severely that he had to lose his leg! He had run away from school to enlist as a southern soldier boy and it seemed sad that his military career was cut short as soon as it begun! But he was led to study over his misfortune and try to manufacture an artificial leg for himself and succeeded so well that he ultimately established several manufactories making artificial arms and legs for maimed soldiers! Frank wrote me that the enemy surprised the "Rebs" so suddenly that his Cavalry Co. had to make precipitate flight, leaving behind horses, tents and baggage; among the "spoils" was Frank's valise, and the following day one of my letters was published in the "Wheeling Intelligencer" headed `A model love-letter'! A very aggravating and mortifying fact to Frank and me! So he asked me to burn every letter of his and all he should write me thereafter! That was a heart breaking request, but he declared he should destroy all of mine. So I planned to try and save my precious war-treasures. Put them in a close wooden box and secreted the box under one of the floor-planks of the attic at Loch Willow. Southern women everywhere were hiding their silver and other valuables in safe places and I felt quite comforted when I thought my letters were safe forever! But alas! when Frank wrote again, he said `Did you burn my letters?' Then I had to confess what I had done and Frank said it would not be safe to leave them there. And so fate obliged me to destroy what would now prove most interesting heirlooms to my children and grandchildren, and would have afforded an excellent war-history of experiences from the pen of an eye witness during the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia."
July ll. Clothes on once more and sitting up like a very weak `lady' . Was carried down in rocker by Mr. N. H. Hotchkiss and Amanda to parlor. Found Mrs. Sam Nelson there. Was drawn close to piano to play a little; calls from Maggie Eidson and Allie Hanger, then Dr. Hamilton. Played some on guitar for him. Lay on sofa till 7 P. M. Then Siddie Bear and Geo. Martin brought me chicken, sponge cake and berries. George a harvest bouquet and message from his father. Siddie a letter from Frank to her mother.
July 13. A darkey at door with `some goodies to make Miss Allie get well'. Then I saw Mary at door with basket and Becca bringing up the rear and laughing at my surprise. Found basket stored with fresh butter, bread and blackberry wine. Becca stayed till 2 P. M. We had a turtle dinner in Mrs. N. H's room. Aunt Sarah and children away at Mrs. Eubank's. Becca brought letter from F. in which he wrote `enemy in sight!' Calls from Kate and Angie Seig. All very much excited over news from some returning soldiers. Say has been a severe battle and Jim Wilson and Mr. Twyman killed. Frank slightly wounded. I cannot believe such bad news!
July 14. Call from Dr. Hamilton. Says the two boys were killed, but Frank not hurt. Five or six of the Cav. Co. missing.
July 21. Terrible battle on Manassas Plains, Federal forces under McDowell and Patterson routed by Confederates under Johnson and Beauregard. Confeds. had but 28,000. Only 7,000 of them encountered the enemy. Loss 290 killed, 1200 wounded; while 4,500 Fed's. were killed, wounded and taken prisoners, besides the capture of a vast number of arms, handcuffs, &c.